Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked dish featuring thinly sliced tender potatoes layered with a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, it delivers nostalgic flavors and indulgence in every bite with simple pantry ingredients.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped
- Crispy bacon bits
- Zucchini or mushrooms, thinly sliced
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes very thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife to about 1/8 inch thickness for uniform cooking and layering.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the dish: Grease a baking dish with butter. Lay down a layer of potato slices, pour some cheese sauce over them, and optionally add onions or other add-ins. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all are used, finishing with a cheese-topped layer.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender inside.
Notes
- Use uniformly thin potato slices (about 1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking and silky texture.
- Bake at moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) to soften potatoes without drying out the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce and make serving easier.
- Season the cheese sauce carefully by tasting before layering for perfect salt and pepper balance.
- Sharp cheeses provide better depth of flavor and maintain distinct taste in the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food, side dish, cheese sauce, creamy potatoes