If you’re looking for a dish that brings all the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking with a bit of a spicy twist, then these Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes are exactly what you need. The classic creamy scalloped potatoes get an exciting makeover with the addition of smoky chipotle peppers, creating a side dish that’s not just delicious, but unforgettable.
Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleaser, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, milk, and cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce that envelops every slice of potato.
Smoky and Spicy: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a unique, smoky heat that complements the richness of the potatoes beautifully.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a vegetarian feast.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for any occasion.
Serve these potatoes with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re in the mood for something more hearty, pair them with a main course like roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a grilled steak. It’s also an excellent side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner.
Ingredients for Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Provides the starchy base for the casserole.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
1 cup milk: Balances the cream for a lighter texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced: Provides a smoky, spicy kick.
2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the onions and garlic and to form the base of the roux.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor of the chipotles.
Ingredient Tips
Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for scalloped dishes because they hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy.
Chipotle Peppers: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or substitute with smoked paprika alone.
Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Butter and Flour: Make sure to cook the flour with butter thoroughly to avoid any raw flour taste in the sauce.
Instructions Outline
Here’s how to make these Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes step-by-step:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the Roux and Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, cheddar cheese, and finish with the grated Parmesan.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:
Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to add color and a healthy side.
Main Course: Pair with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish for a complete, hearty meal.
Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the delicious, creamy sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some ways to customize this recipe:
Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for Gruyere, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate some thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Bacon or Ham: For a heartier dish, add crumbled bacon or diced ham between the potato layers.
Use Sweet Potatoes: Substitute some or all of the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique flavor twist.
Final Note
This Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of smoky, cheesy, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy every bite of this Southern-inspired comfort food. Happy cooking!
Baked Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced chipotle peppers, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the remaining potatoes in a second layer, pour the remaining cream mixture over them, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.