Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for any meal. With layers of tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and flavorful herbs, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 5 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rosemary or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped onion evenly over the potatoes.
3. Step 3: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the garlic and onion. Sprinkle a pinch of rosemary or thyme over the cheese.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour a portion of this mixture evenly over the first layer, allowing it to seep through.
5. Step 5: Repeat the layering process—potatoes, garlic, onion, cheese, herbs, and milk-cream mixture—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese and herb layer on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. Then serve with a spatula, ensuring each portion has plenty of cheesy, creamy layers.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try mixing in some cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the layers.
• Swap cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.
• Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin potato slices for uniform cooking.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped according to your preference or what you have on hand.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain creamy texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes work well. Yukon Gold tends to be creamier, while russet potatoes hold their shape nicely. Avoid waxy potatoes as they may not soften properly.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes before layering?

No need to parboil. Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook fully in the oven alongside the creamy sauce.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

A comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic and onions, and a creamy milk and heavy cream sauce, baked to golden bubbly perfection. This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes dish is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 5 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Herbs

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Rosemary or thyme, to taste

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. First Layer of Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Aromatics: Sprinkle a portion of the minced garlic and finely chopped onion over the potato layer for flavor.
5. Cheese Layer: Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the garlic and onion.
6. Herbs: Sprinkle a pinch of rosemary or thyme over the cheese layer to add aromatic notes.
7. Mix Dairy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and heavy cream, add salt and pepper to taste, and stir well.
8. Pour Sauce: Gently pour a portion of the milk and cream mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring the sauce seeps through the potatoes.
9. Repeat Layers: Repeat layering potatoes, garlic, onion, cheese, herbs, and pouring the sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese and herbs on top.
10. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
11. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Rest: Remove from the oven and let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and set the layers.
13. Serve: Use a spatula to serve warm portions, ensuring each serving has well layered potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce.

Notes

• Thinly slicing the potatoes helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
• Using a mix of whole milk and heavy cream yields a rich, creamy sauce.
• You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Fresh herbs can be adjusted to preference, or omitted if unavailable.
• Resting the dish before serving helps the sauce thicken for easier slicing.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, creamy potato casserole, comfort food, side dish, easy recipe