Scalloped potatoes are a lovely side dish made with creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheesy goodness. They’re perfect for any meal!
The best part? They taste amazing and make your kitchen smell so good while baking! I love serving them warm, and my family can never get enough of that cheesy top layer. 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy texture, which results in creamy layers. If they’re hard to find, Yukon Golds are a fantastic alternative with a buttery flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a rich taste. You can mix it up by using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different twist. For a lighter option, reduced-fat cheese works too!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. If you want to lighten it up, you can replace it with more milk or use half-and-half. Just remember that it may not be as creamy.
Butter & Flour: These create the roux for the cheese sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, try using olive oil with a gluten-free flour alternative. It can give a nice flavor and texture!
How Do You Create a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is essential for scalloped potatoes. Here’s how to make it smoothly:
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan. Use medium heat to avoid burning it.
- Whisk in the flour thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking nonstop. Keeping the heat at medium helps to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, around 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish by adding cheese, mixing until it melts smooth. Season it well to enhance the flavors!
Taking your time with the sauce ensures that it’s dreamy and creamy—totally worth it!
Delicious Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scalloped potatoes recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking time. Add a few minutes for letting it cool before serving, so total time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. An easy and hearty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with butter to keep the potatoes from sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it looks like a paste and starts to brown just a bit.
Slowly, add the milk and cream while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking for around 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from the heat, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for great flavor!
3. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce:
Now it’s time to layer! Start by putting half of the potato slices in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Evenly pour half of the cheese sauce over these potatoes so they’re well coated.
Next, layer the remaining potato slices on top, then finish pouring the rest of the cheese sauce over. Finally, sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top for that delicious cheesy goodness!
4. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take it out and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a little. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness!
Now, enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes! They make for a perfect side at any meal. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal due to their starch content, Yukon Golds are a fantastic alternative. They have a slightly buttery flavor and hold up well in the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option. You may want to add a splash of milk for extra creaminess!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, garlic, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor. You can also mix in some vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers for a colorful twist!
