Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe gets kudos all the time..and easy to make.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes with basic white sauce, onion, parsley, cheese and sliced potatoes. Add cheese and bread crumbs to top this casserole, if desired. Best tasting when thin sliced potatoes (3/8 inch)and onions (1/4 inch) are used.

Ingredients:
1 to 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion (med/large onion)
4 1/2 to 5 cups thinly sliced potatoes (2 ½ lbs)
1 3/4 cups milk (14 oz ) - sub 7 oz (pint) heavy whipping cream for richer potatoes)

3 tbls fresh chopped parsley
1/4 tsp paprika in sauce - sprinkle on top w/ cheese
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon flour
1/8 teaspoon pepper or more to taste
1/2 to 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Several dashes of nutmeg

Full bodied options:
Use Half & Half instead of milk, add 1 to 1-1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese to sauce.
For even richer tasting use Whipping Cream and some milk to thin sauce.

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Start large pot of water to cover potatoes and onions. Add 1 teaspoon salt & bring water to high boil. Grease medium size baking dish w/ butter.

2. Slice onions 1/4 inch and peeled potatoes about 3/8 inch thick.

3. Melt butter and blend in flour, simmer and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes for roux, add pepper, paprika, nutmeg and remaining salt. Add milk/cream and stir until thickened. Add Parmesan cheese if using. Stir in parsley.

4. Slice onions and potatoes 1/4 - 3/8 inches thick. Cover and boil for 5 minutes & drain. For thicker slices, add more time. Avoid over boiling as it softens potatoes and onions too much in final dish. Drain.

5. Combine par boiled vegetables and cream sauce in pot, toss until well mixed. Place in a greased shallow casserole and bake, uncovered, at 400° for about 35 minutes. Sprinkle cheese and more paprika over potatoes and bake about 5 minutes longer until cheese is melted. Serves 5-7

To double recipe – use 5 pounds potatoes and 4 med or 3 large onions. Doubled will fill a large 2x9x13 deep baking dish.