Meet the reinvented classic: Creamy, Crunchy Scalloped Potatoes with a Twist. A spicy twist on the classic scalloped potato dish that will leave you craving more! We’ve reinvigorated the timeless creamy side dish by infusing it with a bold and zesty kick from fresh, finely chopped jalapeños. The jalapeños infuse the dish with a burst of bold flavour in addition to their signature spicy kick. To take it to the next level, we’ve also incorporated a generous helping of melted cheese, amplifying the already rich flavors and textures.
Why Our Recipe
- A bold reimagining of classic scalloped potatoes, boasting a rich, indulgent creaminess and an explosion of vibrant flavors.
- Using a slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, effortlessly freeing up your oven for an array of other culinary creations.
- What’s a party without a spark? We expertly blend together rich Parmesan and sharp Cheddar to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
By utilizing a slow cooker, this recipe becomes remarkably effortless to prepare. I adore cooking scalloped potatoes in my slow cooker because it simultaneously frees up precious oven space and eliminates the stress of waiting for the potatoes to tenderize, allowing me to focus on preparing other dishes with ease. Come home to a mouthwatering accompaniment that complements your meal perfectly.
Ingredient Notes
- Scalloped potatoes require the perfect potato variety – Russets excel in this dish due to their dense, dry flesh and natural sweetness. To achieve optimal results, ensure that you slice ingredients evenly.
- Adjust to suit your desired level of warmth. For those who crave an intense heat, consider adding one or two more jalapeños to the mix, or substitute in some fiery serrano peppers for an explosive flavor experience that will leave your taste buds tingling.
- You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t achieve the same rich and indulgent texture.
- Use high-quality, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to unlock its full flavour potential and achieve optimal melting results.
- : Fresh garlic is best. Measure it with your heart.
- While unconventional in scalloped potatoes, the addition of cilantro lends a subtle depth to the dish, harmoniously complementing the spicy kick from the jalapeño.
- We find that the bold taste of sharp cheddar pairs perfectly well with jalapenos, yet feel free to experiment with other meltable cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or even mozzarella for a unique twist.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
To ensure optimal outcomes, select russet potatoes as the ideal variety for this dish. The high starch content of these potatoes is crucial in producing the signature creamy texture that defines a well-crafted scallop dish. Russet potatoes, in particular, exhibit a unique characteristic that makes them an excellent choice for this dish: they break down sufficiently during cooking, seamlessly integrating with the rich sauce. For those who crave a heartier potato experience with a hint of richness, Yukon Golds provide an excellent substitute. While they may not become extremely tender, these items will maintain their form remarkably well.
Adjusting the Spice Level
With a bold kick from the fresh minced jalapeños, you can effortlessly tailor the heat level to suit your individual taste buds. To reduce the intensity of your dish, simply discard the seeds and membranous interiors of the jalapeños prior to finely chopping them. For adventurous palates, consider leaving the seeds intact or adding an additional jalapeño for an unparalleled depth of heat and flavor. For a less intense flavor profile, consider substituting jalapeños with poblano peppers, which possess a significantly milder heat level. Try adding a judicious pinch of cayenne pepper for an intense heat boost or substitute in some fiery serrano peppers to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Tips for Big Meals
This slow cooker jalapeño scalloped potatoes recipe makes a fantastic choice for large gatherings like Sunday suppers or holiday celebrations, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. To amplify your travel experience and make the most of your journey, consider implementing these suggestions.
Once cooked, the slow cooker’s “warm” setting allows for effortless holding of the potatoes at a comfortable serving temperature until mealtime arrives. This feature renders it perfect for serving large groups at casual gatherings like buffets or family events, ensuring that food remains at the optimal temperature throughout.
Potatoes can be peeled and sliced up to 24 hours beforehand. Store the sliced fruits or vegetables in a bowl filled with cold water and refrigerate them to prevent browning. You can prepare the entire potato mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Once you’re prepared to prepare your meal, simply move all the ingredients into a slow cooker.
The slow cooker’s ability to free up precious oven space is a true game-changer, especially during the chaos of holiday meal preparations. While cooking early in the day, simply initiate the process and allow it to simmer as you attend to other culinary tasks. By cooking on low for 7-8 hours, you can enjoy a stress-free schedule, whereas switching to the high setting for 3-4 hours offers a timely solution when you’re short on hours.
: Hosting a crowd? This versatile recipe lends itself well to scaling up – feel free to double or even triple the ingredients for a larger crowd. Ensure your slow cooker has sufficient capacity to handle the increased quantity; consider utilizing multiple units if necessary for a seamless cooking experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for as long as three days.
Portion the scalloped potatoes into individual servings, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking and make future reheating easier. Store the frozen portions in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container once they are frozen solid. Stored frozen for up to three months. Should thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.
In 30-second increments, heat the mixture on high, whisking constantly to guarantee uniform warming.
