Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple

Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, they’re a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia. However, traditional scalloped potato recipes can be time-consuming and require a degree of culinary expertise. This recipe for Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the flavor or richness. By using sour cream as the base of the sauce, we achieve a tangy and creamy texture that perfectly complements the earthy potatoes and savory seasonings. This version is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or a holiday side dish.

## Why Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes?

Why choose sour cream over traditional cream-based sauces? Here’s why:

* **Tangy Flavor:** Sour cream adds a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the potatoes and cheese. This prevents the dish from being overly heavy and adds a layer of complexity. Unlike cream, the acidity helps to brighten the dish.
* **Creamy Texture:** Sour cream provides a thick and creamy texture that clings to the potato slices, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. It coats the potatoes beautifully.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Sour cream simplifies the sauce-making process. No need to make a roux or worry about simmering milk at the perfect temperature. Just mix the sour cream with the other ingredients and you’re good to go!
* **Readily Available:** Sour cream is a common ingredient that most people have on hand, making this a convenient and accessible recipe.
* **Prevents Greasiness:** Unlike some cream-based versions which can be quite greasy, the sour cream provides a lovely coating without excessive oil. This results in a lighter more enjoyable dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Potatoes:** 3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Yukon Golds offer a slightly sweeter and creamier texture, while Russets provide a more classic, starchy flavor. Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream. Full-fat sour cream provides the best flavor and texture. However, you can use reduced-fat sour cream if you prefer, but the results may not be as rich.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. Onions add a savory depth of flavor to the dish. Yellow onions are a good all-purpose choice, but you can also use white or sweet onions.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted. Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. You can use salted butter if you prefer, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. Flour helps to thicken the sauce and prevent it from being too thin. Make sure to whisk the flour in well so that it dissolves fully.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and savory flavor that complements the potatoes and sour cream. Sharp cheddar provides the most pronounced flavor, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer.
* **Milk:** 1/4 cup. A little milk helps to loosen up the sour cream mixture so it is easier to spread over the potatoes.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. It also provides a pop of color and visual appeal.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and warmth.
* **Optional: Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon for dusting. Paprika adds a hint of smokiness and color to the dish. Smoked paprika is particularly delicious.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Vegetable peeler (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Peel the potatoes (if desired) and thinly slice them using a knife, mandoline, or food processor. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Uniformly sized slices will ensure even cooking. Soak potato slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
* Thinly slice the onion. Slicing the onion thinly allows it to cook through evenly and meld with the flavors of the dish.

**Step 2: Make the Sour Cream Sauce**

* In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, melted butter, minced garlic, flour, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of flour.
* Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sour cream mixture. Stir to combine.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the cheese will also add saltiness.

**Step 3: Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes**

* Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial to remove excess moisture that can make the dish watery.
* In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the potato slices in an even layer. Make sure the slices overlap slightly.
* Top with half of the sliced onions.
* Pour half of the sour cream sauce over the potatoes and onions, spreading it evenly.
* Repeat the layers: remaining potato slices, remaining onions, and remaining sour cream sauce.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
* If desired, dust the top with paprika for a hint of smokiness and color.

**Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the potatoes from drying out and ensure they cook evenly.
* Bake for 45 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
* If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil again.

**Step 5: Rest and Serve**

* Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite protein or vegetable.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes:

* **Use a Mandoline:** A mandoline makes quick work of slicing the potatoes and ensures they are uniformly thin.
* **Add Ham or Bacon:** For a heartier dish, add diced ham or cooked bacon to the layers of potatoes. Cook the bacon until crispy and then crumble it before adding it to the potato layers.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sour cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile. A combination of cheeses can also be used.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, into the layers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Cream Cheese Variation:** Substitute half of the sour cream with cream cheese for a richer, tangier flavor.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
* **Garlic Powder Substitute:** If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the sour cream sauce. You can also use roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and complements the richness of the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** A classic combination. The creamy potatoes complement the savory chicken perfectly.
* **Grilled Steak:** The richness of the potatoes balances the hearty flavor of the steak.
* **Pork Chops:** Scalloped potatoes and pork chops are a match made in heaven.
* **Baked Ham:** A traditional holiday pairing.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Serve with roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, or a hearty salad for a complete vegetarian meal.
* **Potlucks:** Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
* **Holiday Dinners:** A perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tangy sour cream sauce, creamy texture, and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal!

Enjoy your homemade Easy Sour Cream Scalloped Potatoes!