Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a warm and comforting dish that everyone loves! Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with creamy cheese sauce, making it rich and delicious.
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a bite before serving. It pairs perfectly with any main dish, or you can enjoy it on its own! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy texture, helping the dish become creamy. You can swap with Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they won’t yield the same creaminess.
Milk & Heavy Cream: This combination gives the dish its rich texture. If you want to lighten it up, you can use 2% milk and half and half. For a dairy-free option, try almond milk or coconut milk (though the flavor will vary).
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice flavor kick, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess. Parmesan adds a great nutty flavor, so don’t skip it! If lactose-sensitive, opt for lactose-free cheese varieties that melt well.
Butter & Flour: These create the roux for your cheese sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier route, avocado oil can work as a substitute for butter, and you can use gluten-free flour if needed.
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Cook Perfectly?
Getting perfectly tender potatoes is key for scalloped potatoes. Here’s how you do it:
- Slice potatoes thinly to around 1/8 inch for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be really helpful here!
- Layer the potatoes evenly in your baking dish. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Cover with foil while baking initially—you want the steam to help cook the potatoes through!
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. If they are tender, they’re ready!
And remember to let the dish rest before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop! Enjoy your tasty scalloped potatoes!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take roughly 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake, plus a 10-minute resting time. So, set aside a little over an hour and a half to get everything done. It’s simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar size casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a bubbly paste (this is called a roux). Be careful not to let it brown!
3. Create a Creamy Base:
Now, slowly whisk in the milk and cream, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. It should be creamy and smooth. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it!
4. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce:
In your greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Pour half of the delicious cheese sauce over this layer. Then, repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the cheese sauce on top.
5. Add the Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top for a wonderful cheesy crust.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely. For a beautiful presentation, you can garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like.
Your cheesy scalloped potatoes should now be creamy, cheesy, and ready to enjoy! They make for a perfect side dish or a comforting main meal. Happy eating!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are preferred for their creaminess, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure whichever type you choose is sliced thinly for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you start from cold.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients?
Of course! You can mix in sautéed onions, garlic, or cooked bacon for extra flavor. Broccoli or spinach can also work well if you want to sneak in some veggies. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed.