Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a pan of bubbling, golden-brown cheesy scalloped potatoes. This classic side dish is a staple for holidays, potlucks, and cozy family dinners for a reason: it's irresistibly delicious! Imagine tender slices of potato, swimming in a rich, creamy, and gloriously cheesy sauce, baked to perfection. Pure bliss!
Forget bland, dry potatoes. Our ultimate cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe delivers maximum flavor and an unbelievably velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simpler to make than you might think, and the result is a show-stopping dish that complements almost any main course.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Unbeatable Comfort: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any season.
- Rich & Creamy: A decadent sauce made with real cheese and milk ensures every bite is heavenly.
- Easy to Follow: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this recipe achievable for home cooks of all levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual dinners to festive feasts.
- Versatile Side: Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, chicken, ham, or even as a vegetarian main.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Our recipe calls for a harmonious blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a truly magical dish. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when it comes to the cheese and potatoes.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Preparing this dish is a labor of love that pays off in incredible flavor. Follow our detailed instructions in the recipe card below to achieve perfect results every time. The key is even slicing and a perfectly seasoned, creamy sauce.
Tips for Success
- Slice Evenly: Uniform potato slices ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can make this job quick and easy, but a sharp chef's knife works perfectly too.
- Warm Your Milk: Adding warm milk to your roux prevents lumps and helps create a smoother sauce.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better.
- Don't Rush the Bake: Scalloped potatoes need time to cook through and for the flavors to meld. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Rest Time is Key: Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. This allows the sauce to set and prevents it from being too runny.
Variations to Try
- Add Protein: Fold in cooked, diced ham, bacon, or even shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick to the cheese sauce.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives can be added to the sauce or sprinkled on top for an aromatic touch.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melting cheeses like smoked gouda, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile. They are the quintessential side for a holiday spread alongside a perfectly roasted turkey or ham. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
Dig In!
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly epic cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul. So grab your potatoes and your favorite cheeses, and let's get cooking!
FAQs
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
To prevent watery scalloped potatoes, ensure your potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly, and that you allow the sauce to thicken properly before layering. Using a slightly less watery potato variety like Russet or Yukon Gold can also help. Don't overcrowd the baking dish, and let the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set.
Can I prepare cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed, possibly adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
What type of cheese is best for scalloped potatoes?
A blend of good melting cheeses works best for cheesy scalloped potatoes. Sharp cheddar provides classic flavor, while Gruyere or Monterey Jack add creaminess and a nutty note. A touch of Parmesan can enhance the savory depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
What kind of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes. Russets are starchy and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly waxy texture that holds its shape well and provides a rich, buttery flavor. Both slice easily and result in a tender, flavorful dish.
Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes - 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy classic, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are baked to golden perfection, featuring tender potato slices enveloped in a decadent cheese sauce.
Ingredients
4 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. If using, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Add 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar and Parmesan for later.
Step 5: Arrange a layer of potato slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour about a third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering with potatoes and sauce two more times, ending with a layer of sauce.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar and the 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (a knife should easily slide through them) and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the cheesy scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes for easier serving.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can infuse the milk with a bay leaf and a few garlic cloves before warming, then strain them out before adding to the roux. Ensure your potatoes are sliced to a uniform thickness for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this task.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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