Maple Scalloped Candy Potatoes

Maple scalloped candy potatoes are a kind of aspect dishes that turns heads when it hits the desk. Seems to be connoisseur, tastes superb, and it’s nonetheless simple to make. Skinny slices of candy potatoes are layered and baked in a creamy maple sauce with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Because it bakes, the sauce bubbles and thickens, the sides of the candy potatoes flip golden, and the entire pan turns into fully irresistible.

For a fast model of the normal, attempt my weeknight scalloped potato recipe.

This recipe is all about holding issues easy with out giving up taste. I skip the canned soup and make a fast cream sauce from scratch, utilizing maple syrup (the actual form), cinnamon, and a contact of nutmeg. It’s simple to prep forward of time, and the leftovers (when you have any) are simply nearly as good the following day. It’s a kind of sides that makes you wish to return for seconds, and possibly even thirds!

Ingredient Notes

• Candy Potatoes: Search for medium-sized candy potatoes with the orange flesh. Slice them about 1/8-inch thick for even cooking. A mandoline makes this a lot sooner, however a pointy knife works too.
• Salted Butter: For those who’re utilizing unsalted butter, simply add an additional pinch of salt to the sauce.
• All-Function Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: You should use half-and-half in a pinch, however the sauce might be thinner.
• Complete Milk: Balances out the richness of the cream. Keep away from utilizing skim or low-fat milk for finest outcomes.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Use actual maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Pancake syrup is much too candy.
• Floor Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Only a pinch of every provides taste with out overpowering the dish.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the maple.
• Salted Butter (for topping): Dotting the highest with just a few items of butter helps all the things brown and bubble up fantastically.
• Chopped Pecans (non-compulsory): Provides just a little crunch and a toasty, nutty taste.
• Contemporary Thyme Leaves (non-compulsory): These are largely for garnish, however they add a pop of shade and just a little earthy taste that goes very well with the maple.

Slicing Candy Potatoes

It’s necessary that your candy potato slices are all roughly the identical thickness. Your aim is slices about 1/8-inch thick.

A mandoline slicer is a favourite software for this. It’s quick, simple to make use of, and offers you tremendous constant outcomes.

A sharp knife works nice too. It takes just a little extra time, however so long as you slice rigorously and purpose for a similar thickness, you’ll be simply nice.

A meals processor with a slicing blade is one other nice choice. It does all of the be just right for you and is particularly useful in the event you’re making a giant batch.

In case your field cheese grater has a slicer aspect, that may work simply nice. It’s not fairly as exact, but it surely’ll nonetheless get the job achieved. Simply make do with what you’ve got.

Variations and Add-ins

There’s nonetheless room to make this recipe your personal. Nothing sophisticated, however choices to modify issues up.

For a extra savory herby taste, sprinkle in some contemporary chopped rosemary or sage with the cream sauce.

You would additionally sprinkle a little bit of shredded gruyère or parmesan cheese excessive for a salty, tacky end. Simply needless to say cheese will brown sooner, so you could wish to loosely tent with foil close to the tip of baking.

Baking Dish Measurement Choices

This recipe is written for the standard 9×13-inch baking dish, but it surely’s simple to adapt for any pan. On the subject of casserole dishes (not rectangular), you’ll want a 3-quart dish. Simply examine for doneness by inserting a knife into the middle. It ought to slide in simply with no resistance.

For a smaller batch, you’ll be able to halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish. Regulate it close to the tip of baking since thinner layers could cook dinner a bit sooner.

Pecans and Thyme Non-obligatory

The chopped pecans and contemporary thyme on high are fully non-compulsory, however they do up the flamboyant issue. The pecans give just a little crunch and a nutty distinction to the creamy potatoes, whereas the thyme provides the herby taste that balances the sweetness.

For those who’re serving this for a extra informal meal, be at liberty to depart them off. However in the event you’re making this for a vacation or wish to fancy it up a bit, these ultimate touches make it really feel just a little extra connoisseur.

Why Dot With Butter

Dotting the highest with butter may seem to be a small step, but it surely performs an necessary function in how the dish bakes. Because the butter melts, it helps forestall the highest layer of candy potatoes from drying out by including moisture and fats.

It additionally promotes even browning and caramelization on the floor, because of the milk solids and sugars naturally current in butter. This offers the dish a extra golden shade and a littl further taste.

Make Forward Directions

This can be a improbable dish to make forward, particularly throughout the holidays. To prep prematurely, assemble your entire dish as directed, however cease earlier than baking. Cowl tightly with foil and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours.

While you’re able to bake, let the dish sit out at room temperature for about half-hour whereas the oven preheats. Bake as directed, including an additional 5 to 10 minutes if wanted to make sure it’s heated during.

Serving Recommendations

This dish matches proper into any vacation feast, but it surely’s simply as at house on our Sunday dinner desk. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a juicy pork loin.

It additionally goes properly with easy vegetable sides like inexperienced beans, Brussels sprouts, or an arugula salad. Add a basket of heat brioche rolls or cornbread and also you’ve obtained a meal that’s able to impress.