Mom's Scalloped Potato Gratin

Rating: Unrated

These scalloped potatoes were one of my favorite foods growing up, but then I went to culinary school and learned, according to classical methods, how it was "supposed" to be made--and that's how I've been making it ever since. But recently, for whatever reason, I went back and tried to recreate my mother's version and was reminded of why I loved hers in the first place.

By Chef John

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Recipe Summary

prep:
15 mins
cook:
1 hr 15 mins
additional:
10 mins
total:
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

8
Original recipe yields 8 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with 2 tablespoons butter and set aside.

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  • Peel potatoes and cut at a 45-degree angle into 1/4-inch thick round slices.

  • Arrange 1/3 of the potato slices in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared dish. Season the layer very generously with salt, and sparingly with the freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne, if using. Top evenly with 1/3 of the Cheddar cheese. Repeat this process two more times for a total of three layers of potatoes, except for the last third of the cheese. Slowly and carefully pour in the milk, without upsetting the layers. The milk should almost, but not quite, cover the potatoes.

  • Top with remaining Cheddar cheese and place the casserole dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips.

  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until potatoes are tender and the top is well browned and bubbling, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes:

For a richer gratin, the top can be dotted with butter, and/or cream can be used instead of milk. More cheese can also be used if desired.

If all you have is 2% milk, you can always dot some butter in between the layers to make up for it.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
248 calories; protein 9.5g; carbohydrates 29.2g; fat 10.8g; cholesterol 31.9mg; sodium 131.6mg. Full Nutrition
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Reviews

Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
Deanna Hampton
Rating: 5 stars
02/19/2021
Made these as written. Was a winner in my house. Read More
Sharyl
Rating: 5 stars
03/02/2021
Made as written and was happy with the comfort flavour. Paired very nicely with chef John's Moroccan pork roast. Read More
cheeznip
Rating: 5 stars
02/11/2021
Easy and delicious, used cheddar and gouda, and baked for 70 min. Used a little garlic powder, will try the cayenne next time. I had a pile of various sized russets, so sliced enough to fill an 8x8 dish 3/4 full with 4 single layers and enough milk to do as the chef advised. I love simple and good home cooking, so thanks to CJ's mom! And ,of course to Chef John for another winner shared with us. Read More
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Tammie
Rating: 5 stars
03/04/2021
Family loved it! Read More
Kelly P
Rating: 3 stars
02/20/2021
I made this last night and don't know what happened, but the cheese had the consistency of scrambled eggs and it was very watery. The taste was great, but I don't think I will make this again. Read More
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