Easy Scalloped Potatoes: Your Ultimate Guide to a Cheesy, Comforting Side Dish
Loaded with rich cheese and pressure cooked to tender perfection, these Easy Scalloped Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a culinary revelation. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal or preparing for a festive holiday gathering, this recipe promises deliciousness and simplicity. Say goodbye to long hours in the kitchen and hello to a creamy, dreamy potato dish that everyone will adore.
When it comes to dinner, what’s the first side dish that comes to mind? For many, including myself, it’s undeniably scalloped potatoes. The allure of thinly sliced potato rounds, steeped in a decadent, thick, and cheesy sauce, is simply irresistible. This classic comfort food complements nearly any main course, making it a versatile staple in homes around the world.
As someone who constantly seeks ways to make recipes quicker and easier without sacrificing flavor, I embarked on a mission to transform my favorite scalloped potatoes. My goal was to leverage the power of my Souspreme Multi Pot, utilizing its pressure cooking function to streamline the process. The results were astounding – a dish so incredibly amazing, it instantly became a new family favorite and a testament to modern cooking convenience.
This post was sponsored by Fissler. All opinions are my own.
The Enduring Appeal of Scalloped Potatoes
For generations, scalloped potatoes have graced our family tables, a cherished tradition passed down through time. The magic lies in the tender layers of potato, each infused with an unparalleled cheesy goodness that creates the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish is not just food; it’s a memory, a warm hug on a plate.
What makes scalloped potatoes truly remarkable is their incredible adaptability. They pair beautifully with almost any meal, from a simple roast chicken to an elaborate holiday feast. During festive seasons, when oven space is a precious commodity, preparing these potatoes in my Souspreme Multi Pot is an absolute game-changer. It frees up the oven for the main course, allowing for seamless meal preparation and less stress in the kitchen.
Unlocking Convenience with the Souspreme Multi Pot
The revelation of pressure cooking scalloped potatoes with the Fissler Souspreme Multi Pot has transformed this beloved side dish from an occasional treat to a regular weeknight possibility. No longer do I need to allocate extensive time for baking; now, I can effortlessly serve perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes alongside crispy fried chicken or a succulent pork tenderloin with remarkable ease. This modern appliance truly redefines efficiency in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy gourmet-level sides even on your busiest evenings.
Beyond the impressive cooking speed, one of the most appreciated benefits of using my Souspreme Multi Pot for recipes like this is the incredibly quick and easy cleanup. A single pot means fewer dishes, which translates to more quality time with family and less scrubbing after dinner. Saving time in the kitchen is always a win, and this multi-cooker delivers on that promise consistently.
Elevating Flavor: The Bacon & Ranch Twist
While classic scalloped potatoes are inherently delicious, I often enjoy experimenting with family recipes to introduce exciting new flavors. For this particular dish, I drew inspiration from our family’s collective love for chicken, bacon, and ranch. It was a natural fit to incorporate savory bacon and tangy ranch seasoning into these potatoes, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and excitingly fresh.
The addition of bacon and ranch proved to be incredibly simple yet absolutely divine. The smoky, salty notes of bacon perfectly complement the creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar, while the ranch seasoning adds a zesty, herbaceous kick. You truly can’t go wrong by enhancing an already delicious dish like scalloped potatoes with the irresistible crunch and flavor of bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Scalloped Potatoes & the Souspreme Multi Pot
What is the Souspreme Multi Pot?
The Souspreme Multi Pot, a premium multi-cooker crafted by Fissler, is designed to revolutionize your cooking experience. It boasts an impressive array of 18 one-touch cooking programs, making it incredibly versatile. One standout feature is its sous vide capability, which is a rarity in multi-cookers and opens up a world of gourmet possibilities. Beyond sous vide, it excels at steaming, sautéing, and fermenting. This means you can effortlessly prepare everything from hearty soups, tender meats, and grains to fluffy beans, homemade yogurt, and even baked goods like cakes. Its comprehensive functionality makes it an indispensable tool for any modern kitchen.
What is the sous vide method of cooking?
Sous vide is a sophisticated cooking technique where food is meticulously sealed in a plastic pouch or a glass jar and cooked in a precisely temperature-controlled water bath. This method allows for longer cooking times at an exact, consistent temperature, resulting in food that is uniformly cooked, incredibly tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a chef-favorite technique that the Souspreme Multi Pot brings directly to your home kitchen.
What is the best way to store leftover scalloped potatoes?
Proper storage ensures your delicious scalloped potatoes remain fresh and enjoyable. After your meal, transfer any leftover potatoes to an airtight container or simply cover the baking pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Labeling with the date is a helpful practice before refrigerating. To reheat, place your desired portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and microwave for 45-90 seconds, or until thoroughly heated through. This method preserves their creamy texture and flavor for subsequent meals.
How many can this recipe serve?
This particular recipe is perfectly portioned to feed approximately 6-8 people generously. For my family of five, which includes three hungry adults or almost-adult children, it provides a satisfying meal with just enough delicious leftovers to enjoy for lunch the following day. This makes it an ideal choice for both medium-sized families and small gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a hearty serving.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Due to the specific space constraints of the multi-cooker pot and the baking pan used within it, doubling this recipe is not advisable. Attempting to fit two pans of potatoes or a significantly larger single portion could compromise the cooking process and lead to uneven results. For larger crowds, it’s recommended to prepare two separate batches rather than trying to double it in one go.
What other great features does the Souspreme Multi Pot offer?
The Souspreme Multi Pot is designed with user convenience and safety in mind. You’ll appreciate its generous 6-quart capacity, perfect for family meals. The inner pot is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. It offers adjustable cooking times for precise control over your dishes, and its cool-grip handles ensure safe handling. A convenient lid holder keeps your countertop tidy, and multiple integrated safety locks provide peace of mind during operation. This multi-cooker is not only incredibly versatile but also remarkably user-friendly, simplifying complex cooking tasks.
How to Make Easy Pressure Cooked Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Creating these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes in your Souspreme Multi Pot is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
- Begin by combining evaporated milk, regular milk, and the ranch seasoning packet in a medium bowl. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until well blended. This forms the flavorful base of your sauce.
- Carefully layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 7-8 inch deep-dish baking pan. Ensure an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Evenly distribute half of the cooked bacon crumbles over the potato layer, followed by a generous 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Pour half of the prepared milk mixture over the potatoes, bacon, and cheese, allowing it to seep between the slices.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, bacon crumbles, cheese, and the rest of the milk mixture.
- Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Using a foil or silicone sling (which makes removal much easier), carefully place the covered baking pan into the bottom of your Souspreme Multi Pot, resting it on top of the trivet.
- Add the specified amount of water into the main pot, around the baking pan. Secure the lid on your multi-pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed.
- Select the “rice” setting (or manual pressure cook for 40 minutes if your pot doesn’t have a specific rice setting) and cook for 40 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- With caution, use the sling to remove the hot baking pan from the multi-pot. Carefully uncover the foil.
- *Optional Step: For an extra golden-brown, bubbly top, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the potatoes. Broil in a conventional oven for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, or use a small butane torch to achieve a beautifully browned finish.
- Before serving, garnish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
What are the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
For this particular recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended. Their waxy-starchy texture holds its shape well during cooking while becoming wonderfully creamy. They absorb the cheesy sauce beautifully, contributing to the dish’s overall richness. However, if Yukon Golds are not available, russet potatoes can be used as a suitable alternative. When using russets, you may need to increase the pressure cooking time by 2-3 minutes to achieve the desired tenderness, as they are denser and starchier.
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes & au gratin potatoes?
Historically, the distinction between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes was quite clear. Au gratin potatoes were traditionally characterized by their crispy, golden-brown baked top, almost always achieved with a layer of cheese, often breadcrumbs, and sometimes a rich béchamel sauce. The origin and naming of scalloped potatoes are a bit less defined, but they typically did not include cheese and were often cooked in a simpler cream sauce.
However, in modern culinary practice, these two recipes have largely become interchangeable, mainly due to our widespread love affair with cheese! The core preparations are so similar—thinly sliced potatoes baked or cooked in a creamy sauce—that adding cheese to “scalloped” potatoes has become common practice. So, whether you call them scalloped or au gratin, you’re essentially getting those irresistible, tender potato rounds smothered in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. And truly, you can’t beat that level of comfort and flavor.
Do I have to broil the potatoes at the end?
Broiling the potatoes at the end is entirely a matter of personal preference. I personally enjoy the slightly crispy, golden-brown cheese topping that broiling provides, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. However, if you prefer not to broil or don’t have the means, you can certainly skip this step. Alternatively, you could top the dish with panko breadcrumbs, crispy fried onions, or even wonton strips before serving for a different kind of delicious crunch without the need for broiling.
Essential Ingredients for Your Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing the rich flavor and creamy texture:
- Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet, with slight adjustment to cooking time)
- Evaporated milk (for unparalleled creaminess)
- Whole milk
- Ranch seasoning packet (for that unique savory kick)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- Cooked and chopped bacon (the star of our flavor twist)
- Water (for the pressure cooking process)
- Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but highly recommended for flavor and presentation)
More Delicious Potato Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of comforting potato dishes, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Potatoes Au Gratin
Pairing Your Pressure Cooked Scalloped Potatoes
If you adore this Scalloped Potatoes recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other AWESOME main dish recipes that pair perfectly with it. Each link below leads to an easy, printable recipe that will complete your meal with culinary excellence!
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Your New Favorite Holiday Scalloped Potatoes (or Any Day!)
We genuinely hope you’ll fall in love with this Easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe as much as we have. Its combination of creamy texture, rich cheesy flavor, and the undeniable convenience of pressure cooking makes it a standout dish. If you enjoyed preparing and tasting this recipe, please consider leaving a five-star review below. Your feedback helps us share these delicious creations with more home cooks! And don’t forget to help spread the word by sharing this recipe on your favorite social media platforms, like Facebook and Pinterest!
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Rate this Recipe
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
8
people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (about 5-6 medium, such as Yukon Gold)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 4 ounces milk
- 1 pkt ranch seasoning packet (1 ounce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked & chopped bacon
- 1-1/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese & 2 tsp parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Combine evaporated milk, milk & ranch seasoning packet in a bowl & whisk well.
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Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of a 7-8″ deep dish baking pan.
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Top with half of the bacon crumbles & a 1/2 cup of the cheese.
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Pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
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Cover with foil.
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Using a foil or silicone sling, place in the bottom of the pot on top of your trivet.
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Add in water & place the lid on.
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Cook on the rice setting (on the Souspreme Multi Pot) for 40 minutes (or manual for 40 minutes). Quick-release when done.
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Carefully remove with sling & uncover.
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*Optional: Top with additional cheese & broil for 2-5 minutes to brown the cheese before serving, or use a small butane torch to achieve a golden crust.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese & parsley prior to serving.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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