Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a warm, creamy delight! Layers of tender potatoes smothered in cheesy goodness make this dish a favorite at any meal. Who can resist that melty cheese?
Honestly, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving this dish for family dinners. It’s comforting and so simple, just slice, layer, and bake. A true crowd-pleaser every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: They have a creamy texture that works great for this dish. If they’re not available, you can use Russet or red potatoes instead, but adjust cooking time as some may take longer.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and velvety. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream, though it won’t be as creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor. Alternatively, you could use mild cheddar for a softer taste. A combo of cheese like mozzarella or gouda also works well!
Gruyère Cheese: Although optional, it adds a nice nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, use Swiss cheese or even Monterey Jack for a different spin.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Smooth Without Lumps?
Getting a smooth cheese sauce is all about the roux. First off, heat the butter and cook the flour until it’s bubbly but not browned—this helps prevent lumps. Then, slowly whisk in the cream and milk. Doing this gradually keeps the mixture smooth. If lumps do form, use an immersion blender to fix it!
Remember to keep stirring constantly while adding the liquids to ensure everything blends well together. Patience is key, and this will pay off when you have that silky cheese sauce ready to pour over the potatoes!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 1 hour of baking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before this delightful dish is ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cheesy goodness from sticking!
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, throw in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until you can smell its lovely fragrance—but don’t let it brown!
3. Create the Roux:
Now, whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about 2 minutes. This mixture, called roux, should be bubbly but not browned. It helps thicken your cheese sauce later!
4. Add the Dairy:
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk while you whisk continuously. You want to avoid lumps here! Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Cheesy Goodness:
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all the Gruyère cheese (if you’re using it). Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is melted and smooth—that’s the dream!
6. Layer the Potatoes:
In the greased baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour half of that delicious cheese sauce over the layer, spreading it gently to cover.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Now, it’s time for round two! Add the remaining potato slices, followed by the second half of the cheese sauce. Top everything off with the last ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. When that time is up, take off the foil and keep baking for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once done, let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes to thicken up a little. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch!
Your cheesy scalloped potatoes are ready to enjoy! They are cheesy, creamy, and just full of comfort. Perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold are ideal for their creamy texture, you can use Russet or red potatoes as substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the type of potato you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly 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 at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will help retain that creaminess.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables or Meat?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. If you want to add meat, cooked bacon or shredded chicken can be great options. Just be sure to adjust the layers accordingly!