Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, creamy cheese, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for family dinners or just because you want some cheesy goodness!
Honestly, who can resist that golden cheese layer on top? It’s like a warm hug on your plate. I love serving these with a roast or just enjoying them on their own—so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this dish. They hold their shape and get creamy when cooked. If you want a unique twist, sweet potatoes can also add a nice flavor!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for the strong flavor and meltiness. You can substitute with Gruyère or pepper jack for a little kick. For a vegan option, try a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half for extra richness. Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk works too, just ensure they’re unsweetened for an authentic flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil or a vegan butter work as great substitutes.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The key to a smooth, creamy cheese sauce lies in making the roux and gradually adding the milk. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to melt the butter completely without browning it.
- Whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes to form a paste. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, not too fast! This ensures no lumps form. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in your cheese until it melts completely. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
With these tips, your cheese sauce will be thick and delicious, making the scalloped potatoes truly special!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color on top)
For Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything and then around 55-70 minutes for baking. The final resting time of 10 minutes lets all those yummy flavors settle in. So grab a comfy chair and wait for that bubbly, cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Next, peel your potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly, making sure every bite is deliciously creamy!
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux, thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, mixing until the sauce thickens and bubbles—this should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s all smooth and gooey!
4. Layer the Dish:
Now it’s time to assemble! Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Pour half of that luscious cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potato slices, topping with the rest of the cheese sauce. If you want, sprinkle a little paprika on top for some color and extra cheesy goodness!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are super tender.
6. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your cheesy scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes. This helps set everything up and makes serving easier!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, you can garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of dried thyme for an extra touch of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
With these steps, you’ll create a delectable dish that everyone will love—perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are great for their creaminess and texture, you can also experiment with red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Assemble the scalloped potatoes and cheese sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy!
What Should I Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses! Try serving it alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad for a wonderful balance of flavors.