Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Published: May 31, 2025

by Sofia

Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect comfort food, combining the rich flavors of garlic, fresh basil, and creamy cheese with tender potatoes. This dish is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its delightful aroma and mouthwatering taste, Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes will surely impress your guests while being simple to prepare.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of half and half with cheesy goodness creates a decadent texture that melts in your mouth.
Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create a gourmet side dish without overwhelming effort.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for meats, a vegetarian main course, or even at potlucks.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh basil and garlic elevates the taste, making every bite flavorful.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves scalloped potatoes! This recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick spray
Medium pot
Slotted spoon
8×8-inch baking pan
Mandolin slicer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
Medium pot: Ideal for heating cream and infusing flavors from garlic and bay leaves.
Mandolin slicer: Helps achieve perfectly thin potato slices for even cooking (optional but highly recommended).

Ingredients

For these delicious Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes, gather the following:

1½ cups half and half
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the back of a knife
1 bay leaf
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and sliced very thin (use a mandolin slicer if you’ve got one)
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
7 ounces Sincerely, Brigitte™ garlic basil cheese, grated

How to Make Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture

Over medium heat, heat the half and half, garlic, and bay leaf in a medium pot.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then lower the heat to low.
Let the pot simmer for about 5 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bay leaf and garlic cloves.

Step 2: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish

Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 3: Layering Ingredients

Pour about ¼ cup of the cream mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer slightly overlapping slices of potatoes on top of the cream.
Add about 2 tablespoons of chopped basil over the potatoes.
Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of grated cheese on top of the basil.
Season lightly with more salt and pepper.
Repeat layering process—cream, potatoes, basil, cheese—at least two more times until all ingredients are used up.
Save at least a couple tablespoons of cheese for broiling later.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until potatoes are cooked through and top is golden brown.
Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Put under broiler for another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and brown.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately with additional fresh basil garnished on top for an extra burst of flavor! Enjoy your delightful Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes warm!

How to Serve Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes are a delicious and creamy dish that can complement various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness.
Caesar Salad: The classic flavors of Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the richness of the scalloped potatoes.

Add a Protein

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the potatoes.
Baked Salmon: The light, flaky texture of salmon complements the hearty potatoes.

Serve as a Side Dish

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli is a great way to balance flavors.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding extra fresh basil or parsley on top enhances flavor and presentation.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of richness.

How to Perfect Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Achieving the perfect Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes relies on attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
Slice Potatoes Evenly: Thin, even slices ensure uniform cooking; a mandolin slicer works best.
Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on layers; more layers mean more flavor and creaminess.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on baking times; ovens can vary, so adjust as needed for doneness.
Broil Carefully: Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps it set up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes can be complemented by various side dishes. Here’s a list of excellent choices that will enhance your meal.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots provide an appealing contrast in flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite alongside rich potatoes.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies makes for a healthy pairing.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers bring additional flavors and textures to your table.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summer meals and balances out the richness of scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using thick potato slices: Thick slices can result in uneven cooking. Always slice your potatoes very thin, ideally with a mandolin slicer.
Skipping the simmering step: Not heating the half and half with garlic and bay leaf can lead to bland flavors. Always simmer these ingredients for at least 5 minutes.
Overcrowding the layers: Packing too many ingredients can make the dish heavy and soggy. Ensure each layer has enough space for even cooking.
Not saving cheese for broiling: Forgetting to reserve cheese for the top can lead to a less appealing dish. Always keep some cheese aside for that crispy topping.
Ignoring the broil step: Skipping the broiling process means missing out on a golden, bubbly top layer. Always finish with a few minutes under the broiler.
Serving without fresh basil: Serving scalloped potatoes without a garnish of fresh basil loses some flavor brightness. Always add more fresh basil before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes special?

Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes stand out due to their creamy texture combined with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, making them rich and flavorful.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for unique flavors in your Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes.

How do I prevent watery scalloped potatoes?

To prevent excess moisture, ensure you slice your potatoes thinly and layer them properly without overcrowding.

Can I make Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Basil Scalloped Potatoes are not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. They can be customized by adding other vegetables or changing cheese types. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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