Can You Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?
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Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish for holiday meals because they’re so creamy and delicious. It’s one of those things that you either love or hate because there aren’t many people who fall in the neutral zone when it comes to this side. If you know someone who loves scalloped potatoes but not the calories and carbs that come with them, one of the best ways to make this dish more healthy is to freeze it. The great thing about scalloped potatoes is that they freeze very well. While most potato dishes don’t hold up as well after being frozen and reheated, scalloped potatoes are almost like potato casserole which means that they can be frozen without compromising their taste or texture. Keep reading to learn more about freezing scalloped potatoes!
Can You Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes. To do so, combine frozen potatoes with an equal amount of water and boil until thawed. To freeze scalloped potatoes, prepare them according to the recipe, except for a few minor changes. When you get to the part in the recipe that says to put the dish in the oven, instead of doing this, transfer the scalloped potatoes to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid.
Why You Should Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?
1. They Freeze Well
Scalloped potatoes are one of those dishes that freeze very well. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t eat them often enough to have the leftovers sitting around and going bad. One popular way to use up leftover scalloped potatoes is by making a casserole with them. You can make this dish in advance and then freeze it for later use. Another great way to use up leftover scalloped potatoes is by making a scalloped potato bake or side dish, which you can also freeze for later use as well. If you’re looking for a way to use up leftover scalloped potatoes, one of the best things you can do is freeze them. If you’re someone who loves these potatoes but doesn’t eat them often enough to have leftovers around, the only way you can enjoy them is by freezing them.
2. They’re Easy To Make
You might be surprised to learn that cooking scalloped potatoes is easier than most people think. While it can be difficult for some people to cook a meal that includes potatoes, scalloped potatoes aren’t too hard to make and they don’t need much time either. It’s not uncommon for people who are new at cooking to think that they need a lot of time and ingredients to prepare their meals effectively, but this isn’t the case with scalloped potatoes. You won’t need many ingredients, and with just a couple of extra steps in the preparation process, you can have a meal that’s ready to go in a flash.
3. They’re Versatile
Scalloped potatoes are versatile because they can be used in a variety of ways. You can serve them as is, or you can use them in casseroles and other dishes. If you’re looking for another way to prepare scalloped potatoes, try adding them to soup or chili and your family will love it. Scalloped potatoes are also great for making quesadillas and hamburgers. You can make scalloped potatoes into a great side dish for just about any kind of meal, and there are also some great recipes for scalloped potatoes that you can use as pizza toppings too!
4. They’re Delicious!
If you’re someone who loves scalloped potatoes, the only way to enjoy them is by making them at home so that everyone has the chance to enjoy these delicious foods. If you have a family, it’s important for everyone to have the chance to enjoy these potatoes. If you’re someone who loves scalloped potatoes but doesn’t get the opportunity to make them at home, you can use these types of potatoes in a variety of ways. For example, they can be used in casseroles and other dishes. You can also use them as pizza toppings, and there are also some great recipes for scalloped potatoes that you can use as pizza toppings too!
5. They’re Delicious When Frozen
If you want something delicious with your leftover scalloped potatoes, one of the best things you can do is freeze them so that they don’t go bad before you get around to making them again. The only way to enjoy these delicious foods is by making them at home so that everyone has the chance to have their own serving of this delicious dish. If you’re someone who likes scalloped potatoes but doesn’t get the opportunity to make them at home, you can use these types of potatoes in a variety of ways. For example, they can be used in casseroles and other dishes. You can also use them as pizza toppings, and there are also some great recipes for scalloped potatoes that you can use as pizza toppings too!
How to Freeze Scalloped Potatoes
Prepare The Ingredients
When freezing scalloped potatoes, you’ll want to start by selecting high-quality ingredients. This will help ensure that your scalloped potatoes taste just as delicious after freezing and re-heating as they do after cooking fresh. Potatoes – Select potatoes that have a consistent size and appearance, as well as no cracks or sprouting. Russets are recommended for scalloped potatoes because they have a high starch content and will help create a creamy texture. Milk – Use whole milk instead of low-fat or non-fat as it has a higher fat content, which will contribute to the creamy texture of the potatoes. You can also substitute half and half for a richer flavor. Butter – Use a butter that has 80% butterfat. It will add flavor and enhance the creamy texture of the potatoes. Eggs – Use large or extra-large eggs. They contain more fat than smaller or jumbo eggs, which will give the potatoes a creamier texture.
Freezing Scalloped Potatoes
This is the first step towards freezing scalloped potatoes. After you’ve selected the best ingredients, you’ll need to begin cooking the scalloped potatoes. Before you start, you’ll need to prepare your casserole dish by greasing it with butter, oil, or non-stick spray. This will prevent the scalloped potatoes from sticking to the casserole dish. Next, you’ll need to slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick slices. Try to slice them in the same direction and thickness to help them cook evenly. Place the sliced potatoes into a large pot along with the diced onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon each). Add the broth and heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Shocking The Potatoes
To ensure that the scalloped potatoes aren’t soggy when you reheat them, you’ll want to “shock” them in ice water. This will halt the cooking process and keep them from getting soggy. When the scalloped potatoes have finished simmering, drain the liquid and place the mixture into a casserole dish. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool. Remove the casserole dish from the freezer and place it in a bowl of ice water. Stir the water occasionally to help the casserole dish chill down. After 10 minutes, remove the casserole dish and pat it dry with a paper towel. The potatoes should be cooled down and firm, but not frozen.
Sanitizing And Blanching The Vegetables
Before you place the scalloped potatoes in the freezer, you’ll need to sanitize the vegetables. This will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure the vegetables taste fresh when you thaw and reheat them. Blanching the vegetables is an excellent way to sanitize them without altering their texture or taste. Blanching involves placing the vegetables in boiling water for 3 minutes and then immediately transferring them to an ice water bath. This will slow down the cooking process and help keep the vegetables firm. After blanching the vegetables, you’ll want to drain them completely and then dry them with a paper towel. This will prevent the vegetables from freezing together and forming lumps.
Drying And Crisping The Skin
The scalloped potatoes are almost ready to freeze. First, you’ll want to crisp the skins and make sure they are dried thoroughly. This will help prevent the scalloped potatoes from getting freezer burn. You can dry the skins by gently removing them from the casserole dish and laying them out on a plate. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel to pat them dry. Next, place the skins in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy.
Wrapping And Freezing The Potatoes
The scalloped potatoes are now cooked and frozen, but they are not ready to eat. They need to be wrapped in freezer-safe packaging to protect them from freezer burn and bacterial growth. First, you’ll need to transfer the scalloped potatoes to a casserole dish. Alternatively, you can transfer them to freezer bags if you have the room in your freezer. Next, you’ll want to seal the casserole dish or freezer bag and place it in the freezer. Try to maintain a consistent temperature in your freezer to keep the scalloped potatoes fresh for up to 6 months.
Bottom Line
Freezing scalloped potatoes is a great way to enjoy a tasty and indulgent dish without the guilt. It’s a great way to extend the harvest and make use of seasonal ingredients that are too abundant to store. You can freeze scalloped potatoes in a few different ways, and they can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven. They make a great side dish for holiday meals and can be topped with bacon, ham, or any other side you like.