There’s something magical about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that makes them a must-have at any dinner table. Imagine creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, all enveloped in a rich, gooey cheese sauce that hugs every slice like it just won the Best Hug Award. The aroma wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather around and drool as you pull that bubbling dish from the oven.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a family gathering staple, and an instant conversation starter. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or simply craving comfort food on a Wednesday night, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is super easy to make and requires minimal prep time
- The flavor profile balances creaminess with a hint of garlic, making every bite irresistible
- The visual appeal of golden-brown cheese bubbling over perfectly layered potatoes will impress all your guests
- Versatile enough to pair with meats or stand alone as a vegetarian delight, this dish suits any occasion
One Thanksgiving dinner, my cousin took one bite and declared these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes “life-changing.” Who knew potatoes could spark such joy?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Russet Potatoes: These starchy beauties are perfect for scalloping due to their firm texture; avoid waxy varieties.
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Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream for that rich, velvety sauce—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheddar Cheese: Choose a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully and adds that vibrant color.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish; don’t skimp on it unless you want bland potatoes.
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Butter: A must for greasing the dish and adding richness; feel free to use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter to ensure that nothing sticks later on—trust me, nobody wants stuck-on cheese!
Slice Those Spuds: Take your russet potatoes and slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick works well. A sharp knife or mandoline can help you achieve consistent slices.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter before adding minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and mix well as it warms up.
Add Cheese, Salt, and Pepper: Stir shredded cheddar into the warm cream mixture until melted. Be generous with salt and pepper—you want those flavors to dance boldly!
Layer It Up!: Start layering your potato slices in the greased baking dish while occasionally drizzling cheese sauce between layers. Aim for three layers of potatoes—this helps create that irresistible gooeyness.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes so you can enjoy that gorgeous golden crust forming on top.
Now let’s be real: if you’ve done everything right, your kitchen should smell divine by now! If friends or family interrupt you while cooking with unsolicited advice about their potato preferences—just nod politely and keep whisking.
Once baked, let those glorious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes cool slightly before serving. Trust me; no one wants third-degree burns from impatience!
In conclusion, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes aren’t just a side—they’re an experience! Perfectly creamy with layers of flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion where comfort food is welcome. So gather your loved ones around this cheesy masterpiece and watch everyone smile!
You Must Know
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comfort food classic that warms your heart and soul
- The creamy layers of potatoes paired with gooey cheese create an irresistible dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Smell the buttery aroma as it bakes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing your potatoes evenly, then layer them with cheese and cream in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until golden and bubbly for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in some sautéed onions, garlic, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar to personalize your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining that cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly creamy potatoes, use a mix of starchy and waxy varieties for the right texture
- Always season each layer to enhance flavor throughout the dish
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that elevates this classic recipe
Memories of my grandmother’s cheesy scalloped potatoes always bring me back to family dinners, where everyone fought over the last scoop—priceless!
FAQ
Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day before and store them in the fridge before baking.
What type of cheese is best for cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Sharp cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it with Gruyère or mozzarella.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting watery?
Ensure you slice your potatoes evenly and drain excess liquid from any added ingredients before layering.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, featuring layers of tender russet potatoes enveloped in a rich cheese sauce that’s both creamy and indulgent. This crowd-pleaser is not only perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving but also makes a delightful weeknight dinner. With a hint of garlic and a golden-brown crust, this dish promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Gather around the table and enjoy this cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing and cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Thinly slice the russet potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Stir shredded cheddar into the cream mixture until melted; season generously with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the greased baking dish, drizzling with cheese sauce between layers. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove foil in the last 15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
