Scalloped potatoes are a comfort food classic, but they’re often loaded with carbs. For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, the delicious creamy and cheesy goodness of this dish may seem out of reach. Fortunately, with a few clever ingredient swaps, you can create Keto Cheesy Scalloped “Potatoes” that offer all the flavor without the carb overload. Instead of potatoes, this recipe uses low-carb vegetables to replicate the comforting texture of traditional scalloped potatoes while keeping the meal keto-friendly.
Ingredients
For the “Potato” Base:
- 1 medium turnip, peeled and thinly sliced (or substitute with rutabaga or radishes)
- 1 medium celery root (celeriac), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for the top layer)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Base:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the turnip and celery root slices for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Drain and pat dry. If you’re using zucchini, skip the blanching step since zucchini cooks quickly in the oven.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness.
4. Layer the Dish:
Spread a small amount of cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Begin layering the blanched vegetable slices (turnip, celery root, and zucchini) over the sauce. Pour a layer of cheese sauce over the top, then repeat the process until all the vegetables and sauce are used. End with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Vegetable Swaps: If you don’t have turnips or celery root on hand, you can also use thinly sliced rutabaga or daikon radish as a potato substitute. Each of these low-carb vegetables has a texture that mimics potatoes when cooked.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Gruyère, gouda, or Monterey Jack are great options to add more depth to the cheesy layers.
- Keep it Creamy: Be sure to let the cheese sauce thicken slightly before layering it over the vegetables. This helps prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
This scalloped “potatoes” recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates due to the use of turnips, celery root, and zucchini instead of potatoes. These vegetables are perfect for keto recipes because they are low in net carbs but still provide a starchy texture that mimics traditional potatoes.
- Carb Count: By swapping out regular potatoes with keto-friendly vegetables, the carb count remains low. Expect about 6-8 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the vegetables you use.
- Fat Content: Since this recipe is rich in heavy cream, cheese, and butter, it provides a good amount of healthy fats, which are essential for staying in ketosis.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Turn this dish into a complete meal by adding diced ham, bacon bits, or cooked sausage in between the layers of vegetables and cheese sauce.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Broccoli-Cheddar Version: Swap out some of the vegetables for lightly steamed broccoli to make a delicious broccoli-cheddar casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese in place of traditional cheeses to make a dairy-free version. Be mindful of the carb content in dairy-free products if you’re following a strict keto diet.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover keto scalloped “potatoes” can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze keto scalloped “potatoes.” After baking, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbly.
4. What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
Other keto-friendly vegetables that would work well include cauliflower, kohlrabi, or even spaghetti squash. Each vegetable adds its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
5. How can I make this dish extra crispy?
If you want a crispy topping, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
This Keto Cheesy Scalloped “Potatoes” recipe is the perfect low-carb, comforting side dish that satisfies those cheesy, creamy cravings without breaking your diet. By using keto-friendly vegetables like turnips and zucchini, you can enjoy the rich flavors of a classic scalloped potato dish while staying within your carb limits. This recipe is versatile enough to serve as a side for any dinner or holiday meal, and it’s so tasty that even those not following a keto diet will love it!
With the easy substitutions and variations provided, this recipe can fit different dietary preferences while still delivering that indulgent flavor you’re looking for. Enjoy it as a side dish or turn it into a hearty main by adding proteins like ham or bacon, and don’t forget to savor every cheesy bite