Imagine a dish so creamy and cheesy that it practically begs you to dive in with both forks. Cheesy scalloped potatoes are like a cozy hug for your taste buds, offering layers of tender potatoes baked to perfection in a luscious cheese sauce that clings to every slice. ham and cheese quiche The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water with anticipation.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience steeped in nostalgia. I remember my family gathering around the table during holidays, where cheesy scalloped potatoes made their glorious appearance. Each bite was a celebration of warmth and togetherness, perfect for sharing laughter and stories. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, cheesy scalloped potatoes always steal the show. For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The rich flavors create a comforting experience that pleases everyone at the table
- Its golden-brown crust is visually stunning, putting all other side dishes to shame
- Plus, you can adapt this recipe with different cheeses or add veggies based on your preference!
I still laugh when I think about how my cousin once mistook cheesy scalloped potatoes for dessert—she took one bite and her eyes lit up in surprise!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Russet Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes for the best texture; they hold up well during baking.
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Heavy Cream: A must for that luxurious richness; low-fat alternatives just won’t cut it here!
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; use minced or finely chopped cloves for maximum impact.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels and enhance the dish’s richness.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those scrumptious flavors; don’t skip them!
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Fresh Thyme (optional): Adds an aromatic touch; feel free to substitute with dried thyme if fresh isn’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Lebanese rice recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that coveted golden crust.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later on.
Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice your russet potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness for even cooking throughout.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before adding minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and half of your cheese until melty.
Layer It Up!: In your greased baking dish, alternate layers of sliced potatoes and cheese sauce. Finish with remaining cheese on top for that gooey finish.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove foil for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
And there you have it! Your cheesy scalloped potatoes are now ready to be devoured—just try not to eat them all in one sitting!
You Must Know
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes are comfort food at its finest
- The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a delightful side dish for any meal, especially during gatherings
- Pair it with roasted meats for a feast that will leave everyone begging for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing your potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Layer them in a buttered baking dish, pouring the cheese sauce over each layer. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, ensuring the potatoes are tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or add garlic and herbs for extra flavor. savory ham cheese scones A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top can elevate your cheesy scalloped potatoes to new heights. lemon herb roasted chicken. For more inspiration, check out this Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking throughout
- Always season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper to enhance flavor depth in cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to set and intensify flavors
Sharing my first experience making cheesy scalloped potatoes was quite amusing; I had friends over, and they couldn’t stop raving about them, which made my heart swell with pride.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese in cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Absolutely! Experimenting with cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella adds unique flavors.
How long does it take to bake cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Typically, it takes about 1 hour at 350°F until bubbly and golden brown.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture and creaminess.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender russet potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, serving up nostalgia and warmth with every bite. With a golden-brown crust and customizable cheese options, these scalloped potatoes will steal the show at your next meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and half the cheese until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potato layers and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or incorporate herbs such as rosemary. Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top can elevate the dish further.
