Skillet Scalloped Potatoes

SERVES 6-8
Prep time 15mins
cook time 95mins

Ingredients:

Fits one 30cm skillet, dual handle pan or 2x 20cm skillets (with 30-45 min cooking time)

5-7 medium sized potatoes, sliced about 3mm thick

2 tablespoons butter, plus extra to coat the pan

1 head garlic, chopped

1 sprig rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon flour

1 cup cream

2 ½ cups milk

1 tablespoon Dijon or whole grain mustard

½ tsp nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese

 Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C
  2. Oil or butter a 30cm Lodge Cast Iron skillet or pan and arrange potatoes in a thin layer on the bottom. Set aside half the garlic and rosemary. With the remaining half, sprinkle a handful of chopped garlic and rosemary on the potato layer, and a pinch of salt. Add another layer of potatoes on top, and repeat with garlic, rosemary and salt. Add another layer of potatoes and repeat if necessary, until potatoes reach about 2cm below the rim of the skillet. 
  3. On low heat in a medium saucepan, sauté the remaining garlic in butter for 4-5 minutes, stirring to prevent browning. Add the rest of the chopped rosemary, reserving just pinch for the garnish, and stir for an additional minute. Add 1 tablespoon flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until flour begins to smell slightly nutty. Add milk and cream and increase heat to medium, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until liquid has reduced slightly. Add mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted and remove from heat.
  4. Pour milk/cream mixture over the potatoes, filling the skillet to just above the potatoes, and bake until surface begins to brown, up to 90 minutes for a 30cm skillet. Using pot holders, remove skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese on top. Place back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with any remaining rosemary and serve while hot.