Are you tired of complicated recipes that require hours in the kitchen? Get ready to meet your new comfort food obsession - the Single Serving Shortcut Scalloped Potatoes! This mouthwatering dish is the perfect solution for those moments when you want something creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious without the hassle of feeding an entire family. Whether you're cooking for yourself, learning to cook, or simply want a quick and satisfying side dish, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the potato thoroughly and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the potato into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- Grease a small microwave-safe or oven-safe dish with butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are lightly coated to prevent sticking.
- Layer the potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even, compact arrangement. Season each layer lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the milk over the potato slices, ensuring the liquid covers about 3/4 of the potato layers. Dot the top with small pieces of the remaining butter.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the potato layers, covering the surface completely.
- If using a microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow the dish to set and cool slightly. This will help the potatoes absorb the remaining liquid and become creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional black pepper or fresh herbs like chives or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Slice Consistency is Key: Use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to create uniform potato slices. This ensures even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
- Milk Matters: Use whole milk for the creamiest results. If you're watching calories, you can substitute with 2% milk, but avoid skim milk as it won't provide the same rich texture.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for basic shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or a blend for extra flavor.
- Microwave vs. Oven: The microwave method is faster, but the oven method provides a golden, crispy top. Choose based on your time and preference.
- Seasoning Hack: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Season each layer lightly to ensure maximum flavor throughout the dish.
- Prevent Burning: If using the oven method, place a baking sheet underneath to catch any potential overflow and prevent oven mess.
- Resting Time: Always let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the potatoes absorb the remaining liquid and become extra creamy.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add minced garlic, chopped herbs, or even crispy bacon bits between layers for a personalized touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
