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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food, side dish, cheese sauce, creamy potatoes