If you’re searching for a comforting side dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly light, the Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. This dish takes the classic scalloped potatoes everyone loves and transforms it into a flavorful, lower-fat version without sacrificing the creamy, cheesy goodness. Layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes bathed in a garlicky, cheesy sauce and crowned with a golden Parmesan crust make this recipe irresistible for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the creamy milk adding richness, the sharp Parmesan bringing layers of flavor, or the garlic and onion creating a savory depth that ties everything together.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes, 3 lbs: These waxy potatoes hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery flavor perfect for scalloped potatoes.
- Unsalted butter, 4 Tbsp: Adds richness and is essential for sautéing the aromatics and creating the sauce base.
- Yellow onion, ½ large (or 1 medium): Finely diced, it infuses a sweet and savory undertone to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, 2 large: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor with its irresistible aroma and slight pungency.
- All-purpose flour, 2 Tbsp: This acts as the thickening agent, giving the sauce its creamy consistency without heaviness.
- Sea salt, ½ Tbsp: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper, ½ tsp: Adds a mild heat and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup (divided): Sharp and nutty, part goes inside the layers and part creates a golden crust on top.
- Milk, 1 ½ cups: The lighter dairy component that keeps this dish lean but creamy.
- Low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup: Adds subtle savory notes while keeping the recipe on the light side.
- Green onions (optional garnish): Fresh and bright, they add a pop of color and a little hint of sharpness when serving.
How to Make Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish
Start by generously buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13 casserole dish. This helps keep the potatoes from sticking and adds a subtle buttery flavor to every edge.
Step 2: Slice and Soak the Potatoes
Using a mandolin slicer, cut your potatoes into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. This thin slicing is key for tenderness and cooking evenly. Place the slices in cold water to prevent discoloration and to rinse away excess starch, which helps keep the potatoes from becoming gluey. Just before layering, drain them well to avoid watery layers.
Step 3: Make the Velvety Cheese Sauce
Warm your butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the finely diced yellow onion until it’s soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and continue cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes so the garlic releases its fragrant sweetness but doesn’t brown. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns a lovely golden color, which means it’s cooked through without a raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and stir in sea salt and black pepper. Remove from heat, then stir in half of the Parmesan cheese to melt right into the sauce, creating a silky, cheesy base for your potatoes.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Drain potatoes again if needed and arrange half of them evenly in your casserole dish. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes, spreading gently. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to add an extra layer of flavor. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and finish by sprinkling the last ¼ cup of Parmesan on top. Taking a moment to arrange the top layer nicely will give your dish a beautiful presentation once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 400ËšF for 55 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through perfectly in the rich sauce. For the grand finale, remove the foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the Parmesan crust is beautifully golden and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before garnishing and serving.
How to Serve Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions sprinkled over the top add a lively splash of color and a gentle onion bite that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness. A few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, seared steak, grilled salmon, or a vibrant green salad for a balanced meal. The creamy potatoes provide comforting richness that complements a wide range of main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or gratin dishes. Add a tiny shrub of fresh herbs on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Alternatively, serve it family-style straight from the casserole dish to share the cozy, comforting vibe with your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep flavors fresh and to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well and can be prepared in advance. To freeze, assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake covered at 350ËšF until warmed through, then uncover and broil briefly to crisp the top layer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ËšF until heated through and the top is crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sauce separate and the potatoes less tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can use Russets if needed, but they may result in a softer, fluffier scalloped potato rather than a creamy one.
Is this recipe dairy-free or low-fat?
This Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe is lighter than traditional scalloped potatoes but is not dairy-free due to the butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese. For dairy-free options, you’d need to swap in plant-based alternatives and adjust the recipe accordingly.
How thin should the potato slices be?
Slicing potatoes about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the cheesy sauce without falling apart, giving you the perfect tender bite every time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian without compromising on flavor.
Why do you soak the potatoes in water?
Soaking potato slices in cold water removes excess starch, preventing the potatoes from sticking together and helps maintain a lighter texture. It also keeps them from browning before cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe enough if you’re craving a cozy, cheesy dish without the heaviness of traditional recipes. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and brings that perfect creamy comfort food feeling to your table. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to side for any occasion!
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Skinny Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a lighter take on the classic comfort food, using Yukon Gold potatoes, a savory milk and chicken broth sauce, and just the right amount of parmesan cheese. Perfect as a hearty side dish, it features thinly sliced potatoes baked to creamy perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. Ideal for a family meal or holiday dinner, this recipe balances flavor and lighter ingredients for a healthier indulgence.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 large yellow onion (or 1 medium), finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 Tbsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
Topping
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (divided: 1/4 cup for middle layer, 1/2 cup for topping)
Optional Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add richness to the dish.
- Slice potatoes: Using a mandolin, thinly slice the peeled Yukon Gold potatoes into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Place the potato slices into a bowl of cold water to keep them from discoloring and to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly just before layering.
- Make the sauce: Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add pressed garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it turns golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with sea salt and black pepper. Remove from heat once sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the dish: Drain the potatoes well. Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the buttered casserole dish. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and finish with an additional 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top, making the second layer of potatoes look neat for presentation.
- Bake and broil: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Slicing potatoes thinly and soaking them in cold water prevents discoloration and helps achieve the perfect tender texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; adding extra salt or pepper can enhance the flavor.
- Broiling at the end crisps the cheese topping for a wonderful contrast.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated; just cover with foil to retain moisture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
