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!
More Articles You Might Like
-
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Comfort Food with Bold, Savory Flavor If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, affordable, and full of flavor—then this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is calling your name. With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, you can serve up an old-school, stick-to-your-ribs comfort dish that…
-
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion And Garlic
Would anyone eat this fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic? You bet they would—and they’ll probably ask for seconds! This rustic, down-home dish transforms simple ingredients into a savory, mouthwatering side or even a meal on its own. It’s smoky, garlicky, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes it a regular in…
-
French Onion Steak Sandwich
I made this French Onion Steak Sandwich for a family gathering, and it was a total hit! From the first bite, everyone was hooked on the rich, savory flavor of the caramelized onions, tender steak, and melty cheese—all packed between crusty bread. It’s the kind of sandwich that tastes like something you’d get from a…