Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and melted cheese. Whether served as a side dish for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are sure to be a hit. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, salt, and pepper, envelops thinly sliced potatoes and creates the perfect side to pair with just about any main dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes (thinly sliced)

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Instructions for Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired), then slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper, creating a roux (a thickened base for the sauce). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out to coat evenly.

Add the remaining potatoes on top in another even layer, followed by the rest of the sauce. Gently press the potatoes down to ensure they are submerged in the sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

After removing the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the scalloped potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and golden brown, remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired for a touch of color and extra flavor.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Potato Variety: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes for the best texture. They will break down slightly and create a creamy sauce as they cook.

Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to change up the flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it (without the cheese topping). When ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

Extra Creamy Texture: For an even creamier sauce, add a little heavy cream in place of some or all of the milk.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

Roast Chicken or Turkey: The creamy potatoes make the perfect side to a roast chicken or turkey dinner.

Steak or Grilled Meat: Serve these potatoes alongside a juicy steak, grilled pork chops, or even barbecue ribs.

Salads and Vegetables: Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the potatoes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (assuming 8 servings):

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 8g

Carbohydrates: 39g

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 550mg

Conclusion

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender potatoes. Whether served for a holiday dinner, family gathering, or weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The rich, garlicky sauce complements the potatoes beautifully, and the melty cheese adds a final touch of indulgence. Make this comforting side dish for your next meal, and watch it disappear off the table!

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