There’s something magical about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Picture this: golden layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, bubbling away in the oven. The aroma wafts through the air, making your stomach rumble and your heart flutter with excitement. It’s the kind of dish that can make even the most stoic family member crack a smile, especially when they smell that cheesy goodness.
I remember the first time I made these delightful Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for a family gathering. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, my cousin Jake exclaimed, “These look like they belong in a Michelin-star restaurant!” Spoiler alert: they didn’t make it to the dinner table. We devoured them right off the baking dish. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just an average Tuesday night when you need a little comfort on your plate!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, letting you spend more time enjoying with loved ones
- The velvety cheese sauce wraps around each potato slice, creating a flavor explosion
- Its golden crust makes it visually stunning and irresistible at any meal
- Versatile enough to complement any main dish or stand alone as a star player!
I’ll never forget how my friends practically danced around the kitchen waiting for these potatoes to bake.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Russet Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes; their starchy quality creates the perfect creamy texture when baked.
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Heavy Cream: For that indulgent richness that brings everything together deliciously.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for good quality cheddar; its bold flavor is essential for maximum cheesiness.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth and complements the cheese beautifully.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors in this comforting dish.
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Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
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Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish; it brightens up the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for getting those potatoes nice and tender while allowing the cheese to bubble gloriously.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This will prevent those cheesy layers from sticking and ensure easy cleanup!
Slice Those Potatoes: Thinly slice about 4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for uniform thickness; if they’re too thick, they may remain crunchy.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until warmed through but not boiling. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until melted and smooth.
Layer It Up!: Start layering by placing sliced potatoes at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Pour half of your cheese sauce over them before adding another layer of potatoes followed by more sauce! Repeat until you use all ingredients.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
Enjoying Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes isn’t just about eating; it’s about creating moments filled with warmth and joy that linger long after dinner is over!
You Must Know
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a creamy, dreamy side dish that elevates any meal
- The smooth texture, combined with layers of cheese, creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for gatherings
- Make sure to balance creaminess with seasoning for a divine experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing the potatoes thinly for even cooking. Layer them in a baking dish, alternating with cheese and sauce. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique flavor. Adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme can also enhance the taste profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that creamy texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly layered cheesy scalloped potatoes, ensure even potato slices for consistent cooking
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it brings out flavors beautifully
- Lastly, let them rest before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly
Sharing my first attempt at cheesy scalloped potatoes, I learned that patience is key—my friends were amazed by how creamy they turned out!
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes for cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes both work well and add different flavors.
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from cooked layers before baking to keep them creamy.
Can I prepare cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With a golden, bubbly top and an explosion of cheesy flavor in every bite, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Thinly slice russet potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat until warm and then mix in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer half the potato slices in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
