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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Creamy layers of tender potatoes, a velvety sauce, and golden cheddar cheese make this the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday dinner or just craving something special for a cozy night in, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser every time.
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Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These potatoes check every box for a comforting, simple, yet indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with so many main courses. They’re incredibly easy to make but deliver complex flavors, blending rich cheese with smooth cream and a hint of herbs.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Versatile for Every Occasion: Perfect for holiday feasts like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, or a family meal anytime you need something cozy and special.
- Rich, Cheesy Flavor: Melted cheddar combined with a creamy sauce brings irresistible depth to each bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these potatoes in advance and pop them in the oven just before serving.
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What Do Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Taste Like?
These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and have just the right amount of seasoning. The rich sauce seeps into each layer of sliced potatoes, and every forkful is a mix of soft, tender potatoes and melted cheddar, all topped with a hint of rosemary or thyme. The aroma alone will have everyone asking when they can dig in!
Ingredients
- 5 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish
Necessary Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Knife and cutting board for slicing potatoes and chopping onions
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How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Preparation
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Layering the Potatoes
- First Layer: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add Garlic and Onion: Sprinkle a portion of the minced garlic and chopped onion over the potato layer.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Spread a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle with rosemary or thyme.
Sauce Preparation
- Mix Dairy: In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour Sauce: Gently pour a portion of the milk and cream mixture over the layered potatoes, allowing it to seep through.
Repeat Layers
- Additional Layers: Repeat the layering process with potatoes, garlic, onion, cheese, herbs, and cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese and herbs.
Baking
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Initial Bake: Bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
Final Touches
- Rest: Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve: Use a spatula to scoop out portions, ensuring each serving includes layers of potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with The Best Lion House Dinner Rolls or Best Mashed Potatoes if you’re going for a hearty, comforting spread. And for dessert, a slice of The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake would be the ultimate finishing touch!
Tips for Making Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes. They bake up creamy and hold their shape well.
- Slice Evenly: Try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness, about 1/8-inch, for even cooking.
- Season Each Layer: Adding salt and pepper to each layer brings out the full flavor of the potatoes and cheese.
- Be Patient with Resting: Letting the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Freeze: This dish can be frozen before baking; simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can mix in Gruyere, mozzarella, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute dairy milk and cream with a plant-based alternative, like almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese.
Q: How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
A: Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly and cover the dish during the initial baking to help soften the potatoes before uncovering them to brown the top.
Conclusion
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a must-have for any gathering or family dinner. Their rich, creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them a side dish everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite!
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Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for comfort food lovers! Layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce with melted cheddar cheese. This easy, make-ahead recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners and will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 5 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped onion over the potatoes, then add a layer of shredded cheese and a pinch of herbs.
- In a bowl, mix together whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pour a portion of this mixture over the layered potatoes.
- Repeat layering with potatoes, garlic, onion, cheese, herbs, and cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese and herbs.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
- Gruyere, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese can be added for extra flavor.
- Slice potatoes evenly for best cooking results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: side-dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 416kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 264mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg