Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a warm and comforting side dish! Layers of tender potatoes are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes every bite rich and delicious.
Honestly, who can resist that bubbly cheese on top? I love serving these at family dinners—they disappear faster than I can dish them out! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to because they have a buttery flavor and hold their shape well. If you can’t find them, Russets work too, but they may become a bit softer.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is essential for the bold flavor. Gruyere adds richness, but you can switch it with more cheddar or even mozzarella for a different texture. Always taste as you go!
Heavy cream: This makes the dish extra creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use all milk or a mix of milk and a lower-fat cream, but the texture might be less luxurious.
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt levels better. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based butter or olive oil, but the flavor will slightly differ.
How Do You Get Creamy Sauce Without Lumps?
The key to a smooth cheese sauce is making a good roux! First, melt your butter and whisk in the flour until combined. Remember to cook this mix (roux) for about a minute—this takes away the raw flour taste.
- Once your roux is golden, slowly whisk in the milk and cream. This is where you want to keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk to loosen it.
Adding cheese once the sauce is thick prevents clumping, making sure it melts evenly into a creamy goodness!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or substitute with more cheddar)
For Garnishing:
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Most of it is hands-off, letting the oven do the magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or some nonstick spray. This helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Slicing the Potatoes:
Next, peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Once they’re done, set them aside while you make the sauce.
3. Making the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour, cooking it for about 1 minute while whisking constantly to create a roux. This is the base for your creamy sauce!
4. Adding Milk and Cream:
Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, usually about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to keep whisking to avoid lumps—patience is key!
5. Seasoning the Sauce:
Once thick, stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheese until everything is melted and well mixed. Set the sauce aside for a moment.
6. Layering the Dish:
Now, take half of the sliced potatoes and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, pour half of the delicious cheese sauce over these potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the sauce.
7. Adding Extra Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the dish for a bubbly, golden crust!
8. Baking to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Final Touch and Serving:
When ready, take the scalloped potatoes out and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set a bit more. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Enjoy your perfect comforting dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Gruyere add great flavor, you can substitute with any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will change slightly based on what you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it doesn’t use meat. Just ensure you’re using vegetarian-friendly cheese and butter. You can also enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance! Just assemble it up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will go into the oven cold.
What Are the Best Storage Practices for Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. If you’re using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out!