Grandma's "OLD SCHOOL" Scalloped Potato Casserole - 52 Church PotLuck "Old School" Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I substitute for milk in boxed scalloped potatoes? ›

If your household has to go dairy-free, there's no reason to skip this favorite dish as the milk and cheese can easily be substituted. Some recipes use chicken broth or water while others use non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk.

Can I make boxed potatoes and not cook them for a few hours later? A: If you mean prepare certain packaged dried potatoes (such as Au Gratin or Scalloped) the answer is, yes. Just follow the directions as listed (but not yet ready to place into the oven yet).

You can substitute heavy cream for milk by diluting it with a little water. Use half a cup heavy cream and half a cup water for every cup of whole milk.

Evaporated milk is made by slowly heating milk to remove about half of its water—a process that develops a light golden color and mildly sweet flavor. Nestlé states that Carnation evaporated milk can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for regular whole milk.

My scalloped potatoes are bland

They are also in need of serious seasoning to ensure deliciousness. Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, but also, season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the sauce, to make sure they are as flavorful as you want them!

Surprisingly, aluminum foil is his secret weapon. After beautifully shingling the potatoes (he's got a genius trick for doing this quickly, too) he covers the dish in foil before hitting the oven.

Prepare the recipe as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the recipe has cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, or any other toppings, reserve it and add it before reheating.

The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

Why are my boxed scalloped potatoes watery? ›

Watery scalloped potatoes are not good, and is often caused by using the wrong type of potato. This recipe requires starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds, not waxy potatoes. Another cause is washing or holding the sliced potatoes in water (as outlined in the question above).

Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften. You can cook the potatoes with heavy cream or milk and then, after they soften, stir in sour cream.

Any food left open like this for extended periods of time (such as overnight) as a general rule should not be consumed.

Potatoes can be prepared with just water on the stove-top or in the microwave. Use 2 cups water, and omit butter and milk. For stiffer potatoes, let stand 3 to 5 minutes. For less stiff potatoes, stir in more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Chicken or vegetable broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk or cream to add flavor and moisture to mashed potatoes. This is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.