Party Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with bacon and horseradish, perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners, offering rich flavors and a comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton Neufchatel cheese dip with bacon and horseradish ⓘ
- 4 c. cubed potatoes, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat; add chopped onion and green pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper; gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the Neufchatel cheese dip until well blended.
- Pour the cheese mixture over cooked, drained potatoes and chopped pimentos in a 2-quart casserole.
- Mix bread crumbs, snipped parsley, sesame seed, and 4 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the potatoes in the casserole.
- Bake until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. If Neufchatel cheese dip is unavailable, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream works well. To enhance flavor, sauté some garlic with the onions and peppers. If you want a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
These Party Scalloped Potatoes make a delightful side dish for any gathering. Pair them with grilled meats or serve alongside the Baked Mushroom Pork Chops for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the richness beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with additional snipped parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Scalloped Potatoes contains roughly 1346 calories, with 61g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (312% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (199% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1162mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but you'll need to slice them thinly and pre-cook them until tender. This will ensure they cook through during baking. Parboiling them for about 10 minutes before adding to the casserole will work well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold.
What can I substitute for the green pepper?
If you're not a fan of green pepper, you can substitute with diced red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you could use finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture and taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).