Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and delicious scalloped potatoes, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to cook scalloped potatoes in a convection oven. Unlike traditional ovens, a convection oven circulates hot air, resulting in faster and more even cooking.
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your scalloped potatoes. You will need potatoes, butter, flour, milk, cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyère), salt, pepper, and optionally, garlic and herbs for added flavor. Preheat your convection oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes. A mandoline or a sharp knife will work perfectly for this task. Rinse the potato slices under cold water to remove any excess starch and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking scalloped potatoes in a convection oven, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Here are the steps to preparing the ingredients:
- Potatoes: Select firm and waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Cheese: Choose a mild and meltable cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere. Grate the cheese using a box grater or a food processor, and set it aside.
- Onion: Finely chop a medium-sized onion. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to make the process easier and quicker.
- Garlic: Mince a clove or two of garlic. Alternatively, you can use a garlic press to extract the flavor.
- Butter: Cut cold butter into small cubes. This will help distribute the butter evenly throughout the dish.
- Seasonings: Gather your preferred seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, dried thyme, or rosemary.
- Flour and Milk: Measure out the required amount of all-purpose flour and whole milk. These two ingredients will help thicken the sauce.
By preparing all the ingredients beforehand, you can make the process of cooking scalloped potatoes in a convection oven smoother and more enjoyable. Keep these ingredients handy as you move on to the next steps.
Slicing the Potatoes
Before you can begin cooking scalloped potatoes in a convection oven, you’ll need to slice the potatoes. Here’s how to do it:
1. Wash and peel the potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a peeler to remove the skins. This step is optional, as some people prefer to keep the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
2. Prepare the potatoes
Next, lay the potatoes on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are around 1/8 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, it can help you achieve consistent thickness.
Tip: To prevent the potatoes from browning while you slice the rest, you can place them in a bowl of cold water with a bit of lemon juice.
3. Dry the sliced potatoes
After slicing the potatoes, it’s important to dry them thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to blot the slices and remove any excess moisture. This step will help ensure that your scalloped potatoes turn out crispy and evenly cooked.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to assemble your scalloped potatoes and bake them to perfection in a convection oven.
Making the Cream Sauce
Scalloped potatoes require a rich and creamy sauce to add flavour and texture to the dish. Follow these steps to make the perfect cream sauce:
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk until well combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 4: Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
Your rich and creamy cream sauce is now ready to be combined with the sliced potatoes and baked to perfection in the convection oven!
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
Once you have assembled your scalloped potatoes in a baking dish, it’s time to bake them to perfection in your convection oven. Follow these easy steps to achieve a delicious and creamy dish:
Preheating the Oven
Before you begin baking, preheat your convection oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature and maintains it throughout the baking process.
Covering the Dish
Using aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid, cover the baking dish with the scalloped potatoes. This helps retain moisture and allows the potatoes to cook evenly. Make sure the cover is secure to prevent any steam from escaping.
Note: If you prefer a crispy top layer, you can leave the dish uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the potatoes to brown and develop a nice crust.
Baking Time
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated convection oven and set the timer for approximately 1 hour. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices and the specific instructions of your recipe.
Tip: To test the doneness of the scalloped potatoes, insert a fork into the center of the dish. If the fork easily goes through the potatoes without resistance, they are fully cooked.
Once the potatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the dish cool down slightly for easier serving.
Now your scalloped potatoes are ready to be enjoyed as a delicious side dish to complement your main course. Serve them hot and garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Q&A
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven is an oven that uses fans to circulate hot air evenly around the food, which helps to cook the food faster and more evenly.
Can I cook scalloped potatoes in a regular oven?
Yes, you can cook scalloped potatoes in a regular oven. However, cooking them in a convection oven will produce better results, as the hot air circulation will help to brown and crisp the top layer of the potatoes.
What are the ingredients needed to make scalloped potatoes?
The ingredients needed to make scalloped potatoes are potatoes, milk, butter, flour, cheese, salt, pepper, and optionally, garlic and onions.
