Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes

Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for cooking over an open flame. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of scalloped potatoes with the smoky flavor of cooking over a fire, making it a favorite for outdoor gatherings and camping trips.

History

Scalloped potatoes have been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. The creamy, cheesy potatoes are a comfort food favorite that can be found on many dinner tables across the country. Cooking them over an open fire adds a unique twist to this classic dish, giving it a delicious smoky flavor that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

8 large baking potatoes
1 or 2 green onions, sliced (we just use one)
1 (10 oz (283 g)) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
pepper, to taste
garlic salt, to taste
crumbled bacon (optional)
sautéed mushrooms (optional)
0.5 cup butter

How to prepare

Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Prepare 8 pieces of aluminum foil by spraying them with vegetable cooking spray.
In a bowl, combine the potatoes, green onion, soup, cheese (add bacon and mushrooms at this point if desired).
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Evenly divide the potato mixture among the squares of aluminum foil.
Dot the mixture with butter.
Fold the foil into packets, ensuring they are sealed well.
Cook the foil packets on the grill for 12 – 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked.

Variations

Try adding different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, for a unique flavor twist. You can also experiment with adding different herbs and spices to the potato mixture for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking over an open flame, it's important to keep a close eye on the temperature of the grill. Make sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent the potatoes from burning. You can also add additional ingredients like bacon or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes as a side dish with grilled meats or vegetables for a complete outdoor meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the potatoes in foil packets helps to steam them and cook them evenly over the fire. Make sure to seal the packets tightly to prevent any steam from escaping.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different types of cream soups, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery, in place of the cream of mushroom soup. You can also use different types of cheese or add different vegetables to customize the dish to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it over the fire. This makes it easy to have a delicious side dish ready to go for your outdoor gathering.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes in the foil packets for a rustic and fun presentation. You can also transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and top them with additional cheese and green onions for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes with grilled steak or chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make great side dishes to complement the potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the potatoes in a foil packet and heat them on the grill until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. The cheese in this recipe also provides calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (cream of mushroom soup), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes is a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for cooking over an open flame. With a creamy, cheesy potato mixture cooked in foil packets, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering or camping trip.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer evening, and my family and I were gathered around a crackling campfire in the backyard. As the sun dipped below the horizon, my uncle brought out a cast iron skillet filled with bubbling, golden-brown scalloped potatoes. The smell wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of pine and smoke, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

My uncle, a seasoned outdoorsman and a master of campfire cooking, had learned the recipe for Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes from an old friend during a hunting trip in the mountains. He had perfected it over the years, tweaking the ingredients and cooking method to create a dish that was both rustic and decadent.

As I took my first bite of the creamy, cheesy potatoes, I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. I begged my uncle to teach me the recipe, and he agreed, eager to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

The next weekend, I found myself standing over a roaring campfire, armed with a bag of potatoes, a block of cheddar cheese, and a can of evaporated milk. My uncle guided me through the process, showing me how to layer the thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and seasonings in the cast iron skillet. He stressed the importance of patience and attention to detail, reminding me to stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning.

As the potatoes simmered and bubbled over the flames, I watched in awe as the cheese melted and the flavors melded together. The scent of garlic and paprika filled the air, making my stomach growl with hunger.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the potatoes were ready. My uncle scooped out a heaping spoonful onto a plate and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite, savoring the creamy texture and the sharp tang of the cheddar cheese. It was even better than I remembered.

From that moment on, Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, camping trips, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my uncle and the magical evening we had shared around the campfire, bonding over a shared love of good food and the great outdoors.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I use different types of cheese or experiment with herbs and spices. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings back memories of that first night by the fire, when I fell in love with cooking and learned the power of food to bring people together.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling potatoes on the stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of my uncle and the recipe that started it all. I know that one day, I will pass it down to my own grandchildren, sharing with them the joy and magic of Over the Fire Scalloped Potatoes and the memories that come with it. And as they take their first bite, I hope that they, too, will be captivated by its simplicity and the love that goes into every delicious bite.