You’ve got a box of Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes and you’re ready to make them. Learning how to cook Omaha Steak scalloped potatoes in oven is simple, and this guide will walk you through every step for perfect results every time. These creamy, cheesy potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs wonderfully with steak, roast chicken, or even a holiday ham. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a comforting, homestyle dish ready for your table.
This article covers everything you need to know. We’ll go over the exact baking instructions, tips for customization, and solutions to common problems. Let’s get started.
How To Cook Omaha Steak Scalloped Potatoes In Oven
This is the standard, recommended method for cooking your Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes. Following these steps ensures the potatoes are fully cooked, the sauce is creamy, and the top is beautifully golden brown.
What You’ll Need
- One package of Omaha Steaks Scalloped Potatoes
- A 2-quart baking dish (an 8×8 inch or similar size dish works perfectly)
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray, butter, or a bit of oil
- Oven
- Measuring cup for water
- Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Here is the detailed process, broken down into simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to let the oven reach the full temperature before you put the dish in. This helps the potatoes cook evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take your 2-quart baking dish and lightly grease it. You can use cooking spray, a small amount of butter, or oil. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later on.
Step 3: Empty the Potato Mix
Open the package and empty the entire contents of the scalloped potato mix into your prepared baking dish. Spread the potato slices and the included seasoning mix out into a fairly even layer. Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry at this point.
Step 4: Add the Boiling Water
This is a crucial step. You need to add boiling water. Measure 2 1/4 cups of fresh boiling water. Carefully pour it evenly over the potato mixture in the dish. The water will activate the sauce mix and begin to cook the potatoes.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Take the provided butter packet from the Omaha Steaks box. Cut it open and dot the butter pieces evenly over the top of the potato and water mixture. The butter will melt into the sauce, adding rich flavor and helping the top brown.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes at 400°F.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use oven mitts! Remove the aluminum foil cover. The potatoes should be starting to get tender. Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final stage allows the sauce to thicken and the top to turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 8: Let it Stand
Once baking is complete, take the dish out of the oven. Let the scalloped potatoes stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time is important. It allows the sauce to finish thickening and the dish to cool to a safe eating temperature. It also makes it easier to serve neat portions.
How to Tell When They’re Done
You’ll know your Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes are perfectly cooked when the potatoes are tender all the way through (you can check with a fork), the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the top has golden brown spots. The sauce should be creamy and thickened, not watery.
Tips for the Best Results
Even though the instructions are straightforward, a few extra tips can make a big difference in your final dish.
Use the Right Size Dish
Using a 2-quart dish is important. If the dish is too large, the potato layer will be too thin and the sauce may dry out or burn. If the dish is too small, the potatoes might not cook evenly and could bubble over in your oven. An 8×8 inch square dish or a round dish of similar depth is ideal.
Don’t Skip the Boiling Water
The instructions specify boiling water for a reason. Adding hot water gives the cooking process a head start, helping the potatoes begin to soften immediately. Using cold water will significantly increase the baking time and may effect the texture of the sauce.
Cover Tightly for the First Bake
Make sure the aluminum foil is sealed tightly over the dish during the first 45 minutes. This traps steam, which is essential for cooking the potato slices through without drying them out. A loose cover will let steam escape.
Customization Ideas
While delicious on their own, you can easily add to your Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes to create a new dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese on top before the final uncovered bake.
- Add Protein: Mix in diced ham, cooked bacon pieces, or browned sausage with the dry potatoes before adding the water.
- Add Vegetables: Layer in some thinly sliced onions, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Add Herbs: Stir in a teaspoon of dried thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of paprika with the dry mix for an herby twist.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues.
Potatoes Are Still Hard After Baking
If your potatoes are still crunchy, they likely needed more time or liquid. Cover the dish again with foil and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Check the water level; if it looks dry, you can add a few tablespoons of additional hot water around the edges.
Sauce is Too Watery
A runny sauce usually means it needs more time uncovered to evaporate and thicken. Put the dish back in the oven without foil for another 5-10 minutes. Also, ensure you let it stand for the full 10 minutes after baking, as the sauce continues to thicken during this time.
Top Isn’t Browning
If the top looks pale after the recommended bake time, your oven rack might be too low. Move the dish to a higher rack and broil for just 1-2 minutes at the end, watching it very closely to prevent burning. The butter packet should help with browning, but all ovens are different.
Edges Are Burning
If the edges are getting too dark but the center isn’t done, your oven might have hot spots. Next time, try placing the dish in the center of the oven. You can also loosely place a piece of foil over just the browned edges while the center finishes cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes are a versatile side. Here are some classic pairings.
- With Steak: Naturally, they are a perfect match for any Omaha Steak, like a filet mignon or ribeye.
- With Roasted Meats: Serve alongside roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or baked ham.
- For Holidays: They make a great addition to Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner menus.
- As a Main Dish: Add enough ham or bacon to turn them into a hearty casserole for a simple weeknight meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover potatoes cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, though the potato texture may become slightly softer upon reheating.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat scalloped potatoes is in the oven to restore their texture. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth to keep them moist, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warm throughout. For a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch—heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes at a different temperature?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the time. If you are cooking other dishes at 350°F, you can bake the potatoes at that temperature. They will need longer to cook, likely about 60 minutes covered and 20-25 minutes uncovered. Always check for tenderness and browning.
What if I lost the butter packet?
No problem. Simply use 2-3 tablespoons of your own butter, cut into small pieces, and dot it over the top before baking. Salted or unsalted butter will both work fine.
Can I make Omaha Steak scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare them up to the point of baking. Assemble the dish with dry mix, boiling water, and butter. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting from a cold state.
Are there any allergens in the product?
You should always check the specific package label for the most accurate information. The mix typically contains milk and wheat ingredients. If you have allergies, reviewing the manufactuer’s label is essential.
Why are my scalloped potatoes not creamy?
This usually happens if the dish was baked uncovered for too long, the oven temperature was too high, or the dish was too shallow. Ensure you follow the covered/uncovered times closely and use the correct size baking dish. Adding a bit of cream instead of some of the water can also make them richer.
Can I cook these on the stovetop or in a slow cooker?
The instructions are designed for oven baking. Cooking on the stovetop would be difficult as the potatoes need steady, even heat to cook through properly. A slow cooker might work on low for 4-5 hours, but the top won’t brown unless you finish it under a broiler. The oven method is the most reliable for this product.
Now you have all the information you need to cook your Omaha Steaks scalloped potatoes perfectly. Remember the key points: use a 2-quart dish, boiling water, and follow the covered then uncovered baking process. With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, comforting side dish that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to experiment with add-ins to make the recipe your own, but the classic version is always a winner.