Yes, there are definitely frozen scalloped potatoes available from various brands. Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food side dish made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce and baking until tender and golden brown. While homemade scalloped potatoes are delicious, they do require some time and effort to prepare. Frozen scalloped potatoes provide a convenient shortcut while still delivering on the delicious flavor and creamy texture of the classic dish. Several major frozen food brands like Ore-Ida, Green Giant, and store brands offer frozen scalloped potatoes that just need to be popped in the oven for a homestyle side dish in minutes.
Popular Brands of Frozen Scalloped Potatoes
Some of the major brands offering frozen scalloped potatoes include:
| Brand | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Ore-Ida | Scalloped Potatoes |
| Ore-Ida | Extra Creamy Scalloped Potatoes |
| Ore-Ida | Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes |
| Green Giant | Scalloped Potatoes |
| Green Giant | Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes |
| Store Brands | Scalloped Potatoes |
Ore-Ida is one of the largest producers of frozen potato products and their scalloped potatoes are widely available at most major grocery stores. They offer original scalloped potatoes along with more indulgent versions like Extra Creamy and Loaded Bacon & Cheddar.
Green Giant is another well-known brand for frozen vegetables that produces a basic scalloped potato product along with a cheesier version. Store brands like Kroger, Safeway, Great Value, and 365 Everyday Value also offer basic frozen scalloped potatoes at a value price point.
Benefits of Frozen Scalloped Potatoes
There are several benefits to choosing frozen scalloped potatoes rather than making them from scratch:
– Convenience – Pre-made frozen scalloped potatoes can be cooked straight from frozen in about an hour, saving all the time of peeling, slicing, and layering the raw potatoes.
– Consistency – With frozen scalloped potatoes, you can expect the same creamy, comforting flavor and texture every time. Homemade can vary based on ingredient ratios.
– Prepared ingredients – The potatoes are pre-sliced and pre-cooked to the perfect doneness along with a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
– Customizable – Many brands are simple and basic so you can dress them up by adding extra cheese, bacon, herbs, etc.
– Long shelf life – Properly stored frozen scalloped potatoes can last for months in the freezer before cooking.
– Ideal portion sizes – Frozen options are perfectly portioned for meal planning for individuals or families.
For home cooks short on time, frozen scalloped potatoes deliver the classic flavor with much less effort compared to making them completely from scratch.
Taste and Texture of Frozen Versions
When properly prepared according to package instructions, frozen scalloped potatoes can come very close to replicating the taste and texture of homemade. Here’s what you can expect:
– Potatoes – The potato slices are generally pre-cooked just until fork tender with a soft texture that holds its shape well during baking.
– Sauce – The cheese sauce is smooth, creamy, and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. It often contains a blend of milk, butter, flour, cheddar cheese, and seasonings.
– Flavor – Basic flavors are mild and comforting. Premium or loaded versions have more intense cheesy, bacon, or herb flavors.
– Consistency – Well-made frozen options have a creamy sauce that coats each tender potato slice without being overly dry or watery.
– Browning – The top of frozen scalloped potatoes will brown up nicely in the oven for a classic presentation.
– Add-ins – Mix-ins like ham, broccoli, or breadcrumbs can be easily incorporated for more flavor and texture.
When following package instructions, frozen scalloped potatoes can deliver very satisfying results quite similar to homemade versions. Just allow a few extra minutes of baking time if you prefer them extra hot and bubbly.
Cooking Instructions for Frozen Scalloped Potatoes
Frozen scalloped potatoes couldn’t be easier to prepare. Here are typical cooking instructions:
– Oven temperature: Bake at 350-375°F
– Pan: Place frozen potatoes in a casserole or baking dish. Some products recommend spraying the pan with non-stick spray first for easy removal.
– Time: Bake for 50-60 minutes until heated through. For larger bags, it may take up to 70-90 minutes.
– Appearance: Potatoes are done when hot and bubbly with a nicely browned top crust.
– Add-ins: For more flavor, mix in shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, herbs, etc during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
– Standing: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best consistency.
Always refer to the product’s specific package instructions as times may vary slightly by brand. The potatoes, sauce, and seasonings are pre-cooked so no need to thaw before baking. Just pop the frozen bag directly in the oven for easy scalloped potatoes anytime.
Are Frozen Scalloped Potatoes Healthy?
Scalloped potatoes are considered more of an indulgent side dish rather than a health food. However, frozen versions may have some advantages over homemade:
– Lower fat – Frozen options often use reduced-fat milk and cheese to cut down on saturated fat.
– Controlled portions – Bag sizes make it easy to control portions rather than overdoing it with homemade.
– No added butter – Many recipes call for buttering each layer, but frozen varieties minimize extra butter.
– Less salt – Homemade recipes often overseason, but frozen kinds keep sodium in check.
– Added vegetables – Some brands mix in cauliflower or broccoli to add nutrients and cut calories.
– No add-ins – You control what gets mixed in so you can keep it light with just herbs or cheese.
While not exactly diet food, frozen scalloped potatoes can be an occasional moderate option to satisfy a comfort food craving without going overboard on fat, salt, and calories compared to homemade.
Freezing Leftover Scalloped Potatoes
Any leftovers from a batch of frozen scalloped potatoes can be frozen to enjoy again later. Here are some tips:
– Allow potatoes to cool completely before freezing. Divide into individual or family-size portions.
– Transfer portions to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
– Label bags with the contents and date. Use up within 2-3 months for best quality.
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
– Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a little milk or broth if too dry.
– For crispy edges, put the thawed potatoes in a greased baking dish and reheat at 350°F until bubbling.
Freezing allows you to get multiple meals out of one bag of frozen scalloped potatoes. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy the comforting flavor all over again.
Conclusion
Frozen scalloped potatoes provide a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious comforting flavors of the classic homemade dish with much less time and effort. Major brands like Ore-Ida and Green Giant offer convenient pre-made scalloped potatoes that just require baking right from the frozen bag. The potatoes and creamy cheese sauce are pre-cooked and seasoned so all of the hard work is done for you. Frozen scalloped potatoes deliver on convenience, consistency, and customizable add-ins for a satisfying homestyle side on busy nights. With some smart choices, they can even be an occasional healthier option compared to homemade recipes layered with butter and overloaded with salt. Keep a bag in the freezer for scalloped potato cravings anytime.