Campbell Soup Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If there’s one dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, it’s a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked casserole of scalloped potatoes. Campbell Soup’s Scalloped Potatoes recipe has long been a favorite for those looking for an easy yet scrumptious side dish. This beloved recipe transforms simple potatoes into a rich, flavorful dish that can pair with almost anything-from a hearty roast to a light salad.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy, velvety sauce hugs the tender potatoes, and the top crisps up just enough to add texture to the mix. Plus, it’s super straightforward to make, which is why it’s been a go-to for so many families for generations. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Let’s dive deep into what makes this Campbell Soup recipe stand out, how to make it, and some helpful tips and variations to put your unique spin on it.

Campbell Soup Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is incredibly popular because it offers both ease of preparation and a rich flavor profile. The combination of Campbell’s cream of chicken soup, cheese, and potatoes is a marriage made in culinary heaven. The soup creates a silky base, while the cheese ensures that every bite is as indulgent as the last.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious dish, you won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, you might already have most of these in your pantry or fridge. Here’s the rundown:

• 4 cups of sliced potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes, peeled)
• 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (this is the magic ingredient that makes the sauce so creamy and flavorful)
• 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole milk, but even 2% works fine)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for richness)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (sharp Cheddar is preferred for its strong flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, but it adds great depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, but don’t be shy with the seasoning)

Note: You can adjust the cheese type based on your preferences-some people like to add mozzarella or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. Here’s how you’ll transform those simple ingredients into a dish your taste buds will thank you for:

1. Preheat The Oven

   • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly and become golden and bubbly on top.

2. Prepare The Potatoes

   • Slice the potatoes thinly. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll cook evenly in the casserole.

3. Make The Creamy Sauce

   • In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion (if using) and sauté it for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup milk. Whisk this together until smooth. Let it come to a simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper. The soup should be slightly thickened but still pourable.

4. Assemble The Dish

   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the soup mixture.
   • Repeat with another layer of potatoes, soup, and cheese.

5. Bake The Scalloped Potatoes

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the top to get golden brown and bubbly.

6. Cool And Serve

   • Once done, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set a little and makes it easier to cut into servings.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, contributing both flavor and texture to the final dish. Here’s a breakdown:

• Potatoes: The star of the dish, they should be starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. They absorb the creamy sauce perfectly while holding their shape in the bake.
• Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: This isn’t just for casseroles. It serves as the base of the sauce, giving a rich, savory flavor that is nearly impossible to replicate with homemade sauces. It helps bind everything together, offering a creamy consistency and delicious chicken flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings both a tangy and rich flavor that complements the creamy sauce. The sharper the Cheddar, the more complex the flavor. The cheese also helps form that beautiful golden, crispy top layer.
• Butter and Milk: They add the necessary richness to the dish, balancing out the potato starches and giving the sauce its creamy texture.

Expert Tips

While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few expert tips that can elevate it to the next level:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Go for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Waxier potatoes won’t absorb the sauce as well and can lead to a mushier dish.
2. Slicing Uniformly: Make sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they cook, leading to a perfectly tender dish.
3. Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor. You can sprinkle some on top or add them to the sauce for a more aromatic dish.
4. Cheese Variations: While Cheddar is the classic choice, mixing in a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack can add more depth. If you like it extra cheesy, try layering in some Parmesan between the layers.
5. Add Protein: If you want to make this a one-dish meal, you could add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon between the layers to make it more filling.
6. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and settle, making it easier to cut and serve.

Recipe Variations

As with any classic recipe, there are tons of ways to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Vegan Scalloped Potatoes: Use a plant-based cream soup, such as mushroom or potato soup, and swap the dairy with non-dairy milk and vegan cheese. You can also try using margarine instead of butter for a fully vegan option.
• Spicy Scalloped Potatoes: Add a bit of heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
• Garlic Lovers’ Version: Sauté some minced garlic along with the onions for a more aromatic, garlicky flavor. Alternatively, you could mix garlic powder into the sauce.
• Cheese Lovers: If you’re a cheese aficionado, add multiple types of cheese-try a mix of mozzarella, Gouda, and Gruyère for a more complex flavor.

Final Words

The Campbell Soup Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a tried-and-true classic that has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s comforting, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table.