Scalloped Potatoes With Bacon And Cheese
Creamy scalloped potatoes layered with crispy bacon and melted Cheddar cheese create a comforting dish full of rich flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty casserole combines tender potatoes with savory bacon and a cheesy, creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes until cooked through, then chill.
- Fry chopped bacon until crisp and reserve the fat.
- Rub a casserole dish with the halved garlic clove and discard the garlic.
- Grate the chilled potatoes.
- Layer half of the grated potatoes into the casserole dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add half of the chopped bacon and 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- Repeat with remaining grated potatoes, bacon, and bacon fat.
- Combine milk and heavy cream.
- Pour the milk and cream mixture over the layered potatoes.
- Sprinkle with celery seed and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of half-and-half instead of milk and cream. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor, and using Yukon Gold potatoes will give a buttery taste. To save time, you can use pre-grated cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with Pork Chops With Dressing or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a protein like grilled chicken or a hearty fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent over-browning while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Potatoes With Bacon And Cheese contains roughly 903 calories, with 20g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% 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 prepare scalloped potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What type of cheese works best for scalloped potatoes?
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and meltability. However, you can experiment with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Mixing cheeses can also add complexity to the dish.
Can I make scalloped potatoes without heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with more milk or use a lower-fat alternative like evaporated milk. For a rich flavor, consider adding a little cream cheese to the milk mixture.
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).