I never considered myself a master chef, but I do enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. Trying out new recipes is always exciting, but sometimes I find myself short on time. That’s when I turn to my trusty microwave for a quick and convenient solution. One of my favorite dishes to whip up in a hurry is scalloped potatoes. In this article, I’ll share my tips for cooking microwave scalloped potatoes efficiently, without compromising on taste.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Pick Starchy Varieties
When it comes to making scalloped potatoes, choosing the right variety of potatoes is crucial. Starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold work best for this recipe. They have higher starch content, which gives the dish a creamy texture. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, on the other hand, tend to hold their shape better, which may not be ideal for scalloped potatoes.
Slice Thinly
To ensure even cooking, it’s important to slice the potatoes thinly. I usually aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for best results. Consistency in thickness will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and are tender throughout.
Layering the Flavors
Adding Onions and Garlic
To enhance the flavor of your dish, consider adding some onions and garlic. Thinly slice one small onion and a clove or two of garlic. Layer them along with the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. The onions and garlic will infuse the potatoes with their delicious aromas, making your scalloped potatoes even tastier.
Seasoning with Herbs and Spices
No scalloped potato dish is complete without a good seasoning. I like to keep it simple with some salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme. You can get creative with other herbs and spices such as rosemary, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Experimenting with different flavors can add depth to your dish and elevate it to a whole new level.
The Microwaving Process
Precooking the Potatoes
To ensure that your scalloped potatoes cook properly in the microwave, it’s best to give them a head start. Place the thinly sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to help trap steam and cook the potatoes evenly.
Microwave the potatoes on high power for about 5 minutes. This precooking step will allow the potatoes to soften slightly without becoming mushy. This way, the final dish will have perfectly cooked and tender potatoes.
Creating the Sauce
After precooking the potatoes, it’s time to create the creamy sauce that binds everything together. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk the mixture until the flour is fully incorporated and smooth.
Microwave the milk and flour mixture for about 2 minutes on high power. This will thicken the milk to form a creamy sauce. Be sure to whisk the mixture every 30 seconds to prevent any lumps.
Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the partially cooked potatoes in the microwave-safe dish. Make sure to evenly distribute the sauce, ensuring that each potato slice is coated. Gently stir the ingredients together to ensure that the flavors are well combined.
Next, cover the dish and return it to the microwave. Cook the scalloped potatoes on high power for another 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened further. Remember to check on the potatoes periodically to avoid overcooking.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle Cheese
To take your microwave scalloped potatoes to the next level, consider adding some cheese on top. Grated cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work wonderfully in this dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the cooked potatoes and microwave for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden and bubbly.
Let It Rest
Before serving, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes. This will give the dish time to cool slightly and the flavors to meld together. It also allows the sauce to thicken a bit more.
Now, it’s time to savor the fruits of your microwave cooking labor. Serve generous portions of the scalloped potatoes alongside your favorite protein or as a comforting side dish. The creamy texture, the layers of flavors, and the delicious cheese topping will have you and your loved ones coming back for seconds.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, time-saving recipes like microwave scalloped potatoes can be a lifesaver. With the right ingredients, a few simple techniques, and a trusty microwave, you can enjoy this classic dish in a fraction of the time it takes to cook it in the oven. So, the next time you have a craving for scalloped potatoes but don’t have hours to spare, give this microwave recipe a try – it just might become your go-to method!