If you have a soft spot for comforting, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dishes, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will be a new staple in your kitchen rotation. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce and bubbling cheddar cheese that forms a golden crust on top. It’s the perfect blend of rich flavors and cozy textures that make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these scalloped potatoes shine as a side dish everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big on flavor. Each item plays an essential role, from the creamy base to the sharpness of the cheeses, creating the classic, soul-soothing taste we all love.
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about â…›-inch thick): These varieties hold their shape beautifully while absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create that velvety texture in the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle yet aromatic depth that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half: The heart of the sauce, giving it luxurious creaminess.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick to keep the dish from being one-note.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): Offers an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the richness.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese gives the dish its irresistible, gooey texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty finish, elevating every spoonful.
- ½ tsp paprika (for color and extra flavor): Sprinkled on top, it creates a warm hue and subtle smoky undertones.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This guarantees your potatoes won’t stick and helps achieve that beautiful caramelized edge.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Then, gently stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme, warming it through without letting it boil. This careful attention brings out a silky, flavorful sauce that embraces every potato slice.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese
Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of your dish, making sure they overlap slightly to get that classic scalloped look. Then sprinkle half of both the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the potatoes. This layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance of cream and cheese.
Step 4: Repeat and Pour
Place the remaining potatoes on top in one even layer. Pour the warm cream sauce slowly over them, allowing it to seep between the slices, coating everything lovingly. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheeses and a dusting of paprika to add that signature golden color and extra flavor punch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to steam and soften beautifully. After that, remove the foil to let the top brown and bubble, baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step is critical for achieving that irresistible crust and gooey center.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes. This pause helps the sauce thicken and settle, making slicing easier and enhancing the overall texture when served.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast to this rich dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper or an extra pinch of paprika can also add visual appeal and a slight flavor lift.
Side Dishes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus will balance out the indulgence with some lightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, prepare individual portions of the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in ramekins or muffin tins, perfect for entertaining. You can also experiment by layering in other ingredients like caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes tend to absorb the sauce more as they sit, making them even richer the next day.
Freezing
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For single servings, microwaving on medium power for a few minutes also works beautifully, just watch to avoid drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes besides Yukon Gold or Russet?
You can, but Yukon Gold and Russet are preferred because they hold their shape and texture well during baking. Waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings might become too soft or gummy in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I substitute with milk?
Heavy cream provides the richest and creamiest sauce, but you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter option. Just expect a slightly less decadent texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake it later?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
What can I add to make the scalloped potatoes more flavorful?
Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, caramelized onions, or cooked bacon make excellent additions. Just be mindful of balancing the seasoning so the cheese and cream remain the stars.
How do I get a crispy top without burning the cheese?
Baking covered with foil initially allows the potatoes to cook evenly, then uncovering the dish lets the top brown slowly without burning. Keeping an eye on it during those last 20-25 minutes ensures the perfect golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is truly comfort food at its finest. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please a crowd with its creamy layers and delicious cheesy crust. I encourage you to try making it soon—once you do, it might just become one of your all-time favorite dishes to share with loved ones.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting and creamy baked side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a rich garlic-infused cream sauce and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe results in tender, flavorful potatoes with a golden, bubbling cheese crust, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about â…›-inch thick)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Cheese & Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika (for color and extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or use a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Warm the mixture gently until it’s heated through but do not let it boil to avoid curdling.
- Layer the Potatoes and Cheese: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes evenly.
- Add Remaining Potatoes and Sauce: Layer the remaining potato slices evenly on top of the cheese layer. Pour the warm cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top and finish with a dash of paprika for color and extra flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Uncover and Bake Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the sauce set and makes the dish easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the dish will be less rich.
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Fresh thyme provides better flavor but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and improves cutting.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
