Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a warm, cozy dish that everyone loves! Layers of tender potatoes are baked with creamy cheese sauce until bubbly and golden. Yum!
This dish is a perfect side for any meal, and I can’t resist stealing a few extra bites when no one’s looking. If you’re like me, it’s hard to stop at just one serving!
Making cheesy scalloped potatoes is simple. Just slice, layer, and bake! I always enjoy them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a little extra flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my go-to for this dish due to their starchy texture, which creates that creamy feel. If you prefer a waxy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor. For a twist, mix in a bit of gruyère or mozzarella for added creaminess. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Milk: Whole milk makes the dish rich, but you can use half-and-half for extra creaminess or even almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter if you want to cut down on dairy.
How Do I Get My Cheese Sauce Creamy and Lump-Free?
Making the cheese sauce can be tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to do it without lumps:
- Start with a roux. Melt butter and whisk in flour and cook for a bit. This helps to prevent lumps when you add the milk.
- Pour in the milk gradually while whisking constantly. This slow addition, combined with the continuous stirring, helps blend everything smoothly.
- Allow it to thicken before adding cheese. If your mixture gets too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it.
These tips will ensure your cheese sauce is creamy and delicious every time, perfect for your scalloped potatoes!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a bit of time slicing the potatoes and making the cheese sauce, and then it will bake in the oven until bubbly and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish with butter to prevent your cheesy creation from sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma. Next, whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about 2 minutes until it turns a pale golden color, creating a roux.
3. Add the Milk:
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and stirring for around 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. It’s okay if it takes a minute to reach that creamy consistency!
4. Incorporate the Cheese:
Once your sauce is thickened, take it off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Add the salt, black pepper, and onion powder, mixing well to combine.
5. Layer the Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to layer! Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the cheesy sauce over the potatoes, making sure to spread it out evenly. Then repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, topping everything off with the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake It Up:
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Once that time is up, take off the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Rest and Serve:
When everything is finished baking, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 5-10 minutes so they set nicely. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix it up with cheeses like gruyère, mozzarella, or even gouda for a unique twist. Just ensure they melt well for that creamy texture!
How Do I Prevent My Potatoes from Browning?
If you’re slicing potatoes ahead of time, place them in a bowl of water to keep them from browning. Just drain and dry them before layering in the dish!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply layer everything and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate, then bake the next day, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.