Why does my cheese curdle in scalloped potatoes?

Why does my cheese curdle in scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped or au gratin potatoes are so simple. But it can be frustrating when the creamy sauce and cheese separate or look curdled. The curdling is caused by high heat, which is hard to avoid in an oven. So to keep the sauce together, tackle it before the dish goes in the oven.

What potatoes go with ham?

Potatoes and ham are classic Easter dinner companions, with potatoes au gratin and scalloped potatoes reigning as the most popular spud sides. (The difference between these two similar dishes: Potatoes au gratin gets baked with cheese or bread crumbs for a golden finish, while scalloped potatoes leave out the cheese.)

What is the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are much simpler. Most recipes call for the potatoes to be baked in a basic cream sauce (usually a mix of milk and heavy cream), and that’s it. 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.

How do you avoid curdled scalloped potatoes?

The best way to prevent curdling in scalloped potatoes is to start with high starch potatoes, such as Russets, that will help to thicken the sauce, use very fresh cream or half-and-half rather than whole or low-fat milk, and thicken the cream with flour or corn starch to make a sauce rather than topping the ingredients …

What kind of meat goes good with scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are rich and filling. Lean proteins and other veggies pair nicely, try grilled ham, pan-seared fish, roast chicken, broiled lobster, or even a filet of beef tenderloin.

What is the difference between potatoes au gratin and dauphinoise?

Potatoes au gratin are slices of pre-cooked (usually boiled) potato cooked in cream and topped with cheese which makes the gratin. Gratin Dauphinoise, on the other hand, is a dish made of thinly-sliced (not pre-cooked) potatoes that cook in cream. Dauphinoise traditionally does not contain any cheese.

How long do you bake a ham and cheese casserole?

Instructions Butter a 2 quart or 9×13 casserole dish. Spread bread over casserole dish, and top with ham and cheese. Mix together eggs, milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, mustard, nutmeg, and salt. Pour over bread and ham. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, preheat oven to 350. Uncover casserole and bake for 40-45 minutes.

How do you make Ham and cheese casserole?

DIRECTIONS HEAT oven to 350 degrees. COOK onion and green pepper in margarine until tender. STIR in flour and pepper. ADD milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. REDUCE heat and add cheese and mayo; stir until cheese melts. ADD potatoes and ham; put into casserole dish. BAKE for 30 minutes.

Can scalloped potatoes be baked and then frozen?

When you plan to freeze the prepared scalloped potato dish, the potatoes need to be removed from the oven before they finish cooking to protect their texture. Once you freeze the potatoes, you may thaw them in the refrigerator or bake them frozen .

What is the recipe for twice baked potato casserole?

How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Cut baked potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Place half in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Sprinkle with half the salt,pepper and bacon. Top with half the sour cream and then the cheeses. Repeat layers. Bake uncovered at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cheeses are melted.