Growing up, one of my favorite dishes that my mom used to make was scalloped potatoes. The creamy and cheesy layers of tender potatoes were simply irresistible. It was always a hit at family gatherings and potluck dinners. However, I didn’t realize until recently that you could actually make this delicious dish in the microwave. Intrigued by the idea of a quick and easy recipe, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, it turned out to be just as tasty as the traditional oven-baked version. In this article, I will share with you my simple and hassle-free method for making scalloped potatoes in the microwave.
Gather the Ingredients
The first step in any cooking adventure is gathering all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 4 to 5 large Russet potatoes
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups milk
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before starting the cooking process. It’s always frustrating to realize halfway through a recipe that you’re missing a key ingredient.
Prepare the Potatoes
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the potatoes. Start by peeling them and slicing them into thin rounds. I find that using a mandoline slicer yields the best results as it ensures that all the potato slices are uniform in thickness. However, if you don’t have a mandoline slicer, you can simply use a sharp knife and try your best to cut them thin.
Protip:
Soak the potato slices in cold water for about 10 minutes. This will help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier scalloped potatoes.
Build the Layers
Now that the potatoes are prepared, it’s time to start building the layers of this delicious dish.
Start by greasing a microwave-safe casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Next, arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping each other. Then, sprinkle a layer of sliced onions on top.
Repeat the process, layering the potatoes and onions until you run out of slices. Make sure the top layer is made up of potatoes.
Protip:
You can add a layer of shredded cheese between each layer of potatoes and onions for an extra creamy and cheesy dish.
Prepare the Sauce and Cook
Now it’s time to prepare the sauce that will bind all the layers together and give the scalloped potatoes their creamy texture.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, called a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Add the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the layers of potatoes in the casserole dish. Make sure the sauce covers all the potatoes evenly, allowing it to seep through the layers.
Cover the casserole dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
Microwave the dish on high power for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on it.
Add the Final Touches
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the plastic wrap or lid, as steam will escape. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of potatoes.
Place the dish back in the microwave, uncovered, and microwave on high power for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to turn golden and bubbly.
Protip:
For an extra crispy and golden cheese topping, transfer the dish to the oven and broil on high for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the microwave. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the layers set and the dish holds its shape when serving.
Enjoy!
Congratulations! You have just made a delicious batch of scalloped potatoes in the microwave. The creamy and cheesy layers of tender potatoes are simply irresistible.
Serve the scalloped potatoes as a side dish for your next family gathering or alongside a juicy steak for a satisfying main course. This quick and easy recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and have them asking for seconds.
So the next time you’re in the mood for scalloped potatoes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, give this microwave recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!