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