Delight Your Taste Buds with Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon: A Decadent Recipe with Keto and Low-Carb Options
Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food dish, featuring layers of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a special dinner or as a satisfying main course, this recipe is sure to impress. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, along with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb options to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden brown and bubbly.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, bacon, and cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, bacon, cheese, and cream sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can add thinly sliced onions or diced ham between the layers of potatoes.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- To make the dish vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a low-carb alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce.
- Use heavy cream and cheese for the creamy layers, as they are naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making them suitable for a keto diet.
- Reduce the number of potatoes or substitute with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I prepare Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
- While russet potatoes are traditionally used for scalloped potatoes due to their starch content and texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture profile.
- How can I make the dish creamier?
- To make the sauce even creamier, you can add an extra splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the potatoes.
- Can I freeze leftover Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon!
