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Scalloped Potatoes From Leftovers Recipe

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This Scalloped Potatoes from Leftovers Recipe is one of the best! Perfect side dish and great to use up those leftovers. Be sure to check out my tips for Over 22 Ways to use your Thanksgiving Leftovers!

scalloped-from-leftovers

Whenever you cook potatoes, it’s always a great idea to cook extra because it makes for easier meal preparation the next day.

One of the things you can do with leftover potatoes is make some pretty delicious scalloped potatoes.

By the way, if you don’t have leftover potatoes, you can boil some and let them cool before slicing. In this picture, we’ve used new potatoes.

It also helps you if you have some leftover cheese sauce from last night’s dinner too. Perhaps a cheese sauce that you used on steamed cauliflower or broccoli? Make a little extra and then use it the next day in this easy to prepare dish. If you don’t have leftover cheese sauce, you’ll find a recipe below.

This will make about 2 cups of cheese sauce. How much you need for the scalloped potatoes will depend on how many potatoes you’re using and how cheesy you want your potatoes. There is no real right or wrong with this one. However, if you are making a square 9” pan of potatoes like shown in our picture, you probably want at least 1 ½ cups of sauce

What is the texture of scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are lengthy, thin slices of potato that have been layered in a deep, oven-safe dish before being smothered with a creamy or cheesy sauce.

As they cook, the potatoes become fork-tender while still maintaining their shape and form. Their texture is unique; although soft enough to cut with a spoon and savor with each bite, the cubes retain enough viscosity to hold their shape when removed from the baking dish.

All in all, scalloped potatoes provide an interesting array of textures to culinary experiences, making them an ideal side to many meals.

What dishes pair with scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes make a satisfying side dish to many types of entrees. For a classic combination, scalloped potatoes are often served alongside roasted chicken or ham, as the creamy sauce and crunchy cheese topping are the perfect accompaniment for such dishes.

Filling enough to stand on their own, scalloped potatoes can also be served with a light salad for a simple yet delicious meal.

For more robust flavor pairings, try pairing scalloped potatoes with barbequed pork chops or a hearty steak.

However you decide to enjoy them, scalloped potatoes are sure to bring extra comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Why are my scalloped potatoes dry?

Scalloped potatoes are a beloved dish among many for their buttery yet crispy outer layer, juxtaposed with an incredibly soft and flavorful inner potato.

Despite this seeming simplicity of its preparation, several significant factors can cause the potatoes to become dry.

Chiefly, the amount of liquid used during cooking may be insufficient or the potato slices used could be cut too thin; both will result in excessive evaporation and insufficient hydration.

Another common issue is the addition of flour or other thickening agents; if these are not added to sufficient liquids, the result will be dry potatoes.

Finally, it is important to make sure your oven temperature is precise; over-cooking can cause drying and burning as well.

With all of that considered, scalloped potatoes should come out perfectly moist and delicious every time!

What other ingredients can be added to scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes can be enhanced with several additions to create an even more flavorful and satisfying meal.

Alternatives to the traditional onion and garlic ingredients often used are leeks, bell peppers, and mushrooms, all of which bring a unique taste to the dish.

For additional richness, a sprinkling of bacon or ham can also be included. Cheese is another topping that adds a creamy texture.

To incorporate herbs into the mix, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are ideal choices as they complement other flavors well.

With these additional ingredients, classic scalloped potatoes become more interesting and enjoyable for all.

Scalloped Potatoes From Leftovers Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes From Leftovers Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Such a great way to use up leftovers!

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for Cheese Sauce if You Don’t Have Leftover Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or other favorite cheese or mixture

Instructions

    Prepare the Sauce:
    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Next, add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk constantly.


    Once the mixture has thickened a little, gradually add the milk and whisk thoroughly before adding more milk.


    Continue whisking until the mixture is fully thickened.


    Now, it’s time to remove the pan from the stove and stir in the shredded cheese. Stir until combined and serve.


    How to Assemble Your Scalloped Potatoes
    Thinly slice your leftover potatoes. As mentioned earlier, if you're boiling your potatoes specifically to make this recipe, allow them to cool first or you’ll burn your fingers and end up with crumbly potatoes.


    If you are using leftover cheese sauce, you don’t need to reheat the cheese sauce before using it. Simply drop it by spoonfuls on the potatoes and the heat from the oven will help distribute the sauce evenly.


    Place half the potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Top with half the cheese sauce. Then add another layer of potatoes. Finally top with the remaining cheese.


    Place the baking dish, uncovered, into a 350F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of baking, top with some shredded cheese and allow it to brown.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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KarenB

Sunday 10th of April 2022

This is my favorite recipe for scalloped potatoes and has been my Go To for years. Thanks again for the amazing recipe!

Kelli Miller

Tuesday 19th of September 2023

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm thrilled to hear that the scalloped potatoes recipe is your favorite and has been your go-to for years. It's always wonderful to know that a recipe has become a staple in someone's kitchen. I'm glad you've been enjoying it and finding it amazing! If you have any other favorite recipes or if there's anything else you'd like to see on the blog, please let me know. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Happy cooking!

KarenB

Tuesday 6th of November 2018

I dont see how long to bake these. Did I miss it?

Kelli Miller

Thursday 8th of November 2018

Place the baking dish, uncovered, into a 350F oven. In the last 10 minutes of baking, top with some shredded cheese and allow it to brown.

Noreen

Thursday 9th of November 2017

I just want to make you aware that in the instructions there is no indication on when to add the 'flour'. I gave this to my hubby to make while at work and I did not notice that it was missing the flour. I would have noticed it however, my hubby didn't. It was a little soupy with no flour! lol

Kelli Miller

Monday 13th of November 2017

Oops!! Thanks bunches for letting me know. It should be added in the very first step. I have corrected the recipe. :-)

Susie @Bowdabra

Saturday 2nd of March 2013

Thank you for sharing your nifty project with us! Come by again next week and link up another awesome project!

Have a good week! Susie @bowdabra http://bowdabrablog.com

Miz Helen

Saturday 2nd of March 2013

This is a great idea, I have some potatoes in the refrigerator that are headed for this recipe. Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Come Back Soon! Miz Helen

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