Should It Take 4 Hours to Bake Scalloped Potatoes in the Rectangle

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the question of whether it is typical for scalloped potatoes to take four hours to bake in a rectangular baker. Participants share their thoughts on cooking times, oven performance, and personal experiences with similar dishes.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if it should take four hours, sharing that someone reported their mom took that long.
  • Another participant suggests the issue might be with the oven, noting that they have had potatoes take two hours but not four.
  • Several users express disbelief that it would take four hours, with one mentioning that using foil could help retain steam and speed up cooking.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience making au gratin potatoes in the rectangular baker, stating it takes much less time.
  • Another participant mentions that cooking times should not differ significantly between stoneware and other pans.
  • Some participants joke about potential user error being the cause of the long cooking time.
  • Several users express interest in sharing and discussing recipes for au gratin potatoes, with one participant offering a specific recipe from a well-known restaurant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of a four-hour cooking time, with many participants expressing skepticism about it being typical. There is no clear consensus on the cause of the long cooking time.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recipes related to cooking potatoes, particularly in the context of using a rectangular baker. The discussion includes humor and light-hearted exchanges about cooking mishaps.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in cooking times for scalloped or au gratin potatoes, as well as those looking for recipe ideas and tips for using stoneware.

kisrae
Gold Member
Messages
482
Should it take 4 hours to bake scalloped potatoes in the rectangle baker?
I had someone call me and said the it took her mom 4hours to bake. Any idea?
 
Maybe she needs a new oven...
 
I wouldn't think so!!!!!!!!!! I would recommend that they use foil over the rectagle baker, to keep the steam in to cook the potatoes. I could see it even taking 2 hours, if the baker was full all the way! How thick were the potatoes? My Goodness, that just seems WRONG!!!! What temperature did they use????!!! I would figure, even at 350 degrees it wouldn't take that long! I would recommend 375-400 degrees with foil on! check for tenderness, but I would think that it would probably be almost ready in an hour if done at this temperature. Then take the foil off and bake it for another 20 minutes or so to get the top to be golden.
4 hours just doesn't seem to make sense to me! :confused: :yuck: :eek:
 
Does it take her 4 hours to bake them in a non-PC 9x13 pan? Because they shouldn't take any longer just because they're in stoneware. The only things that need additional time on stones are things that have very short cooktime (like cookies), to allow the stone to heat up.
 
I make au gratin potatoes, which are very similar, all the time in the rectangular baker. It takes no where near 4 hours.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I do think it is her oven. She used cursenart(?) to cut the potatoes so they were cut thin. I'm going to test it out in my oven this week.
But I think she just needs a new oven.
 
raebates said:
I make au gratin potatoes, which are very similar, all the time in the rectangular baker. It takes no where near 4 hours.

TOTALLY off-subject....but Rae - could you share your Au Gratin Potato recipe? I'm actually looking for a good one.
 
I'll look it up when I get home. Mine comes from one of the Top Secret Recipes books. It's Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Au Gratin Potatoes. Very garlicky. Very yummy.
 
raebates said:
I'll look it up when I get home. Mine comes from one of the Top Secret Recipes books. It's Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Au Gratin Potatoes. Very garlicky. Very yummy.

UUUMMMM!!! Can't wait! I may take it to our Harvest Dinner @ church this Sunday!
 
raebates said:
I'll look it up when I get home. Mine comes from one of the Top Secret Recipes books. It's Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Au Gratin Potatoes. Very garlicky. Very yummy.
That's where I got my Key Lime Cheesecake recipe. It's supposedly the Cheesecake Factory recipe. :)
 
My recipe book falls open to the au gratin potatoes recipe. We love it.
 
I'm just joking - did she have her oven on?
 
Ruth's Chris Steak House Potatoes Au Gratin

[I make a single recipe in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. I triple it when I make it in the Rectangular Baker, adding 10 minutes to the covered baking time and another 20 to the uncovered baking time.]

3 to 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
1 c heavy cream
1/2 c milk
1 1/2 T flour
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1/4 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1 T butter, softened*
1 1/2 c grated Cheddar cheese
1 t finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)


  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch slices, then quarter each slice.

  3. Whisk together the cream, milk, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper just until combined.

  4. Coat the inside of your baking dish with the softened butter.

  5. Arrange 1/4 of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Pour some of the cream mixture over the potatoes--just enough to cover. Repeat three more times. (You may have extra cream mixture. Be sure to add just enough to cover the potatoes. [My cats love the leftovers.])

  6. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover. Bake another 40 minutes, or until potatoes are starting to brown on top.

  7. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the potatoes. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slighted browned.

  8. Sprinkle parsley over the top and serve.





*I don't actually spread butter over my dish. If I'm using the 1 1/2 qt dish, I spray it with Baker's Joy. If I'm using the Rectangular Baker, I don't use anything at all.
 
Oooohhhh - Thanks so much Rae!!!

I am making these for sure Sunday!
 
Gina M said:
I'm just joking - did she have her oven on?

that was exectly my first thought.
seems anytime something goes wrong in the oven it's the stoneware thats the problem.....couldn't be USER ERROR, Nahhhhh :rolleyes:
 
reba515 said:
that was exectly my first thought.
seems anytime something goes wrong in the oven it's the stoneware thats the problem.....couldn't be USER ERROR, Nahhhhh :rolleyes:

And except for a gigantic turkey - I don't think I've ever cooked anything for 4 hours in the oven (now the crock pot is another story)
 
raebates said:
Ruth's Chris Steak House Potatoes Au Gratin

[I make a single recipe in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. I triple it when I make it in the Rectangular Baker, adding 10 minutes to the covered baking time and another 20 to the uncovered baking time.]

3 to 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
1 c heavy cream
1/2 c milk
1 1/2 T flour
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1/4 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1 T butter, softened*
1 1/2 c grated Cheddar cheese
1 t finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)


  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch slices, then quarter each slice.

  3. Whisk together the cream, milk, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper just until combined.

  4. Coat the inside of your baking dish with the softened butter.

  5. Arrange 1/4 of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Pour some of the cream mixture over the potatoes--just enough to cover. Repeat three more times. (You may have extra cream mixture. Be sure to add just enough to cover the potatoes. [My cats love the leftovers.])

  6. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover. Bake another 40 minutes, or until potatoes are starting to brown on top.

  7. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the potatoes. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slighted browned.

  8. Sprinkle parsley over the top and serve.





*I don't actually spread butter over my dish. If I'm using the 1 1/2 qt dish, I spray it with Baker's Joy. If I'm using the Rectangular Baker, I don't use anything at all.
Thanks for sharing with us, Rae, I think I'll be making this dish sometime this coming weekend!!
What would you think of adding some crushed bacon in it? I make an augratin potato dish that has bacon in it and my family loves it:love: , just curious what you thought about adding some bacon to this dish? :confused:
 
Maybe she had it down real low or something. I have had potatoes take 2 hours to cook before but not 4.

If anyone wants my Au Gratin recipe, it is found in the Betty Crocker box down the potato aisle!! HAHA!!:D
 
reba515 said:
that was exectly my first thought.
seems anytime something goes wrong in the oven it's the stoneware thats the problem.....couldn't be USER ERROR, Nahhhhh :rolleyes:
DH refers to that as "Loser Error." It's appropriate more times than not. :)
 
and then there's always the I-D-10-T error.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should it take 4 hours to bake scalloped potatoes in the rectangle pan?

No, it typically should not take 4 hours to bake scalloped potatoes in a rectangle pan. Most recipes suggest a baking time of around 1 to 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C), depending on the thickness of the potatoes and the specific recipe used.

What factors could cause scalloped potatoes to take longer to bake?

Several factors can affect the baking time of scalloped potatoes, including the thickness of the potato slices, the temperature of the oven, and whether the dish is covered or uncovered. If the potatoes are cut too thickly or the oven temperature is lower than recommended, it may extend the cooking time.

Is it possible to undercook scalloped potatoes?

Yes, it is possible to undercook scalloped potatoes. If they are not baked long enough, the potatoes may remain firm and not achieve the desired creamy texture. It's important to check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the potatoes; they should be tender and easily pierced.

How can I ensure my scalloped potatoes cook evenly?

To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes uniformly and layer them evenly in the rectangle pan. Additionally, preheating the oven and covering the dish with foil for the first part of the baking process can help maintain moisture and promote even cooking.

What should I do if my scalloped potatoes are taking too long to bake?

If your scalloped potatoes are taking longer than expected, check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it's accurate. You can also cover the dish with foil to help retain heat and moisture, which may speed up the cooking process. If they are still undercooked after the recommended time, continue baking and check for doneness periodically.

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