Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. I remember my grandma making this creamy, cheesy goodness every holiday season, and it quickly became a staple in our house. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce just melt in your mouth, and trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible! Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday feast or just as a comforting weeknight side, these cheesy scalloped potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients List

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and sauce)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden top!
While the oven is heating up, grab a baking dish and grease it with some butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra flavor.
Now, take half of your thinly sliced potatoes and layer them neatly in the bottom of the dish. Make sure they’re overlapping a bit for that perfect creamy texture.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s bubbly, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste.
Next, gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. This is where the magic happens! Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken, and then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It should smell divine!
Pour half of this luscious cheese sauce over the layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
Now, add the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce. Don’t be shy—make sure every potato gets a nice coating!
Finally, sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will create that gooey, bubbly layer we all love!
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this cheesy delight in just about an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, milk, and cream creates a luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, even beginner cooks can master this dish!
Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual barbecue, cheesy scalloped potatoes fit right in on any table.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has a way of bringing people together, and I promise it’ll keep everyone coming back for more!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly, here are some insider tips I swear by! First, make sure your potatoes are sliced as evenly as possible; this helps them cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer can be a game changer here! Also, don’t skip the step of letting your sauce thicken properly before pouring it over the potatoes; this ensures a beautifully creamy texture. If you’re worried about the top browning too quickly, just cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking, then remove it to let that cheese bubble up towards the end. Lastly, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the layers set a bit and makes it easier to scoop out those gorgeous servings. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, I’ve got some great ideas for you! For cheese lovers, try swapping out the cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. You can even combine cheeses for a richer taste! Want to add some herbs? Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled between the layers can elevate the dish with a delightful aroma.

For a veggie boost, consider layering in some thinly sliced onions, spinach, or even roasted garlic. If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, add cooked bacon or ham for a savory twist. And don’t forget—experimenting with different spices like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can bring a whole new dimension to this classic dish. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are just as delicious the next day, so don’t worry about having too much! To store, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in a baking dish, and if it seems a bit dry, drizzle a little milk or cream over the top before covering it with foil. This helps keep it moist while reheating. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbling again. Trust me, these cheesy layers will still bring all the comfort you crave! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you can indulge a little without too much guilt! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. But hey, with this much cheesy goodness, it’s totally worth it!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to balance the flavors so they complement each other!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. Just keep it covered in the fridge before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
If your potatoes are still firm, it might be due to slicing them too thick. Aim for thin, even slices for the best results. Also, make sure to bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown; this usually means the potatoes are perfectly tender!

Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Consider adding layers of thinly sliced onions, spinach, or even mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they’re thinly sliced so they cook through by the time the potatoes are done!

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, cover them with foil in the oven and add a splash of milk or cream before warming. This keeps them moist and creamy—just like when they were first baked!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: 7 Irresistible Comfort Layers

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until the sauce thickens.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Add the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
You can use different cheeses for varied flavors.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Potato Recipe, Side Dish

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