Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! Layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in rich cheese sauce make each bite so yummy.
Whenever I make this dish, my family can’t resist coming back for more. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles and empty plates, definitely a crowd-pleaser! 😊
I love serving these potatoes hot from the oven. Pair it with roasted chicken or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy! Easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness. But you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer. They add a slightly different flavor and creaminess.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or olive oil instead!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a tasty kick. You can substitute it with mild cheddar for less sharpness or even gouda for a unique flavor. A cheesy mix is fun too!
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream make it rich. You can use a mix of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt for the creaminess while cutting calories.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch. Just sprinkle in about 1/2 teaspoon if you’re short on fresh garlic.
How Do You Create a Velvety Cheese Sauce?
Making cheese sauce is a key step. A smooth cheese sauce gives your dish the creamy texture everyone loves. Here’s how to do it right:
- Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Stir in flour, cooking it for a minute or two to avoid a raw taste. This is your roux!
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened. This part should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until fully melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavor.
This technique is all about patience and mixing well to avoid lumps. With practice, you’ll create the perfect cheese sauce in no time!
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes for preparing and cooking these delicious cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. To keep them from turning brown, place the slices in a bowl of cold water while you work on the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it brown!
4. Create the Roux:
Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook while stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step is important to eliminate any raw flour taste in your sauce.
5. Add the Milk and Cream:
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Incorporate the Cheeses:
Once thickened, take the sauce off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese (if you’re using it) until melted and smooth.
7. Season the Cheese Sauce:
Now it’s time to season your cheese sauce! Add in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary if you want to give it extra flavor.
8. Drain and Dry the Potatoes:
Draining the potato slices will help reduce excess moisture. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel and get ready to layer.
9. Layer the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce:
Start by arranging a layer of potato slices in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes to coat them evenly.
10. Repeat the Layers:
Keep layering your potato slices and cheese sauce until you’ve used everything up. Finish with a final layer of potatoes topped with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
11. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken up before you serve it.
13. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused scalloped potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their creaminess, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just make sure they are sliced thinly for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with more whole milk or use a mix of half-and-half and milk to achieve a similar richness. You can also opt for a lower-fat option like Greek yogurt combined with milk for creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead! Assemble the potatoes and cheese sauce, cover, and refrigerate. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creamy texture.