Scalloped Potato Gratin
Have you ever made scalloped potatoes in the oven and baked the dish for hours, only to discover they are totally undercooked in the middle? And, of course, it happens right when it’s time to sit down for dinner. Skip the stress — the microwave works a holiday miracle with this foolproof dish! Layer thinly sliced potatoes with heavy cream and cornstarch for a quick, impressive side dish that cooks quickly and evenly every time.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
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The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes (300g), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, diced small
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme, leaves only
- ½ cup (50g) mozzarella cheese (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- While the oven preheats, place the sliced potatoes and butter in the Anyday Dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 4 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when gently pierced with a fork or knife.
- In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cornstarch, and thyme leaves until the cornstarch is well incorporated. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and gently shake the dish to distribute the liquid evenly over the potato slices. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Continue cooking in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until the cream thickens slightly and bubbles evenly.
- Carefully wipe down the sides of the dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Place the dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Carefully remove from the oven and serve as desired.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Crispy onion topping: Sprinkle crispy onions over the dish for a burst of flavor and an elegant touch.
- Sweet potato swap: Replace traditional potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes or yams for a slightly sweeter twist and cook as indicated in the recipe.
- Caramelized onion gratin: Add some caramelized onions with the seasoned cream for added depth of flavor.
- Vegan-friendly alternative: For a plant-based version, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of butter and cream.
- Bacon boost: Top with crumbled crispy bacon for added savoriness.
- Discover more potato recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Reheating Instructions: Cover the Anyday dish with the lid and microwave 3-5 minutes, or until the center is hot. To check, insert a fork in the center and carefully touch it. If the fork is hot, the potatoes are ready to be served.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Scalloped Potato Gratin in the Microwave
What is scalloped potato gratin?
Scalloped potato gratin is a classic side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy sauce, sometimes finished with a cheesy topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish makes for a great pairing with a Sunday dinner or holiday feast. (Or any regular weeknight meal!)
Can I cook scalloped potato gratin entirely in the microwave?
Yes, you can make the entire dish in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This microwave version shortens the process by quickly and efficiently cooking the potatoes in the microwave, making the total cook time three times faster than the traditional oven method. After the potatoes cook in mere minutes, simply pour in the cream mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then top with cheese for a melty result. For a crispy top, you can finish it in a preheated oven, or skip the extra step and enjoy a creamy, comforting dish in no time.
How long does scalloped potato gratin last in the refrigerator?
Scalloped potato gratin can be stored in the refrigerator in an Anyday dish, covered with the lid, for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Plus, Anyday’s vented lid makes it easy to take this dish on the go, so you can prepare it in advance and bring it to your next dinner gathering — ready to reheat and enjoy.
Can I freeze scalloped potato gratin?
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potato gratin. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, cover the Anyday dish with the lid and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen gratin directly to the microwave—no thawing needed—and reheat for 4-6 minutes, depending on the portion size, until heated through. For more tips on reheating frozen food, check out this blog!
Can I make scalloped potato gratin dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese option, or skip the cheese for a lighter version.
Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?
Absolutely! You can customize the gratin by adding cooked bacon, caramelized onions, blue cheese, or even thinly sliced ham between the layers of potatoes before cooking. For a bit of spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
