Need some help with scalloped potatoes.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

Specifically, about cooking them in an aluminum pan (because I'll be making a very large amount to bring to the homeless shelter) as compared to a ceramic pan.

I often make scalloped potatoes and ham, and know that making it without the ham will be easy. But I always bake it in a ceramic pan, and I'm concerned about how they'll come out in the aluminum pan I'll be using this time.

Suggestions?

I'm also probably going to do the actual baking at the shelter, after assembling the ingredients at home.

Help!

[BillyBobBrilliant]

1. I think they will be fine.

If it is a disposable pan use a baking sheet below to support the pan. Cook to internal temperature (165F), and color, and you will be fine.

[SamKnause]

2. You should have no trouble using an aluminum pan.

I use them, but pyrex baking dishes are my favorite for baking.

I agree, baking them at the shelter is the way to go.

You should have no trouble with your aluminum pan.

Just make sure it is sturdy.

You don't want it folding into when putting it in, or taking it out of the oven.

I usually use a stack of 3 for support.



Good Luck.

[japple]

15. This used to be one of my favorite dishes. We always made it when the baked ham we had

for Sunday was running out of time. We always called it "Ham Surprise!" Aluminum pan should be okay, and I would agree that it needs additional support underneath. I would spray with EVOO or PAM.

[irisblue]

3. I think BillyBobs' idea of a sturdy cookie sheet under the alum pan

As you move it out the oven. Where did ypu get the alum pan? Restaurant supply?

[PoliticAverse]

4. Do you cover the top when baking them? n/t

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. I usually cover them for the first thirty minutes, then uncovered for an hour.

[PoliticAverse]

10. Amuminum conducts heat much faster than the ceramic so I'm thinking the potatoes...

will cook a little bit faster during the time they are covered.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Thank you everyone.

I will double the pan, maybe even include a sheet pan underneath. But it sounds like the consensus is the scalloped potatoes will cook up just fine in aluminum.

[Wellstone ruled]

7. Yup,put the cookie sheet under the foil pan

and you will be good to go. Throw so Baco's in to replace the ham.

[procon]

8. Aluminum conducts heat faster than ceramic so foods cook quicker and might burn at

Higher temps or longer cooking times. Ceramic heats slower and retains heat longer. You might want to use lower oven setting and adjust the timing for aluminum. Check the food more often as it nears the finish to avoid scorching.

[DemocracyMouse]

9. Isn't aluminum from before a certain date considered toxic?

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

11. Well, unless that date is less than six months or so I'm not worried.

I have very recently-acquired aluminum pans for this purpose.

And the reason I'm using them is so I don't need to keep track of my own ceramic cooking dish and worry about getting it back.

I am simply picturing the scalloped potatoes as cooking too fast, not browning the way I want, and sticking massively to the bottom. I would NEVER have suggested scalloped potatoes for the meal, but I wasn't in on the menu process this time around.

[pansypoo53219]

12. i would boil the milk near done, i have tried pre cooking the taters & ad

it does not really work, but maybe 1/2 done taters.

[Kali]

13. it will be fine, preboil the slices (and onions) for a few minutes

and then you won't have to bake so long. You could wipe the pan with butter or a little oil first, but it will probably be fine either way.

sounds good, I haven't had scalloped potatoes and ham in ages!

[dem in texas]

14. Been Using an aluminum baking pan for 50 years - I'm Still Kickin'

It is a large over-size heavy aluminum pan that I bought when we lived in San Antonio in the early 60's. I bought it for the same reason you are wanting a big pan; needed to cook food for a large crowd. I have used it for all kinds of dishes including scalloped potatoes. I had to hammer the rim down on the sides so would fit in the little oven where we lived. It has stood the test of time.

If you are using the disposable aluminum pans, I would use double pans with a strong cookie sheet under them. A large casserole will weight a lot. I had a pie that I making in one of those disposable pans and it collapsed on me when I was putting it in the oven. Lesson learned, if I use the disposable pans, I make sure that I have a supporting pan underneath.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

16. Right. I'll be using disposable aluminum pans. I've used them before.

The shelter provides them to us so we don't have to bring our own pans to the shelter.

I know this will bake up very differently than I'm used to. That's my frustration. If I were sharing my recipe I'd be telling the recipient to be sure to use a ceramic/glass pan. I'm thinking I'll use more liquid than usual.

I take a lot of pride in what I cook for the shelter. I cannot really imagine being homeless or dependent on the kindness of others to eat. I won't fix anything I wouldn't be happy to serve to my own family or friends.

Luckily I've made scalloped potatoes lots of times in the past, so I know I can't completely ruin it.

Again, thanks to all for suggestions and advice.

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

17. As an aside...

...my husband and I ran a homeless shelter several years ago. It’s people like you that we cherished and respected. We had so many wonderful meals donated by amazing cooks! Good vibes, goddess bless, your karma will be amazing 💕💕💕

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

18. What I love about doing this is how incredibly appreciative

the guests are.

I also am now pretty good at cooking large amounts, and who knows when else that skill will come in handy.