Heavenly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Comfort arrives in a creamy, golden-crusted homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe that melts hearts faster than butter on a hot skillet.

Layers of tender potato slices nestled between rich, velvety cheese create a side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate potato rounds absorb the luxurious sauce, developing a golden, crispy top that crackles with every forkful.

The combination of sharp cheddar and smooth cream transforms simple ingredients into a decadent masterpiece.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish brings warmth and elegance to your dinner table.

Flavor Variations for Scalloped Potatoes

• Veggie Potato Bake: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese for a vegetarian version that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Herb-Infused Scalloped Potatoes: Swap dried parsley with fresh thyme and rosemary to create an aromatic herb-enhanced potato casserole with deeper, more complex taste.
• Gluten-Free Potato Casserole: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers the same cheesy, comforting experience.

Serving Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes the Right Way

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty dish as a comforting main course with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a satisfying meal.
• Brunch Superstar: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit salad for a delightful weekend breakfast spread that will impress guests.
• Side Dish Champion: Complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or holiday ham with these creamy, cheesy potatoes as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment.
• Green Balance Boost: Garnish with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions to add a pop of color and light, fresh flavor to the rich potato dish.

Storing Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Correctly

• Store cooled scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the sharp and white cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses you prefer.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice the potatoes uniformly and about 1/4 inch thick. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and maintain potato texture.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

No, you can leave the potato skins on for added nutrition and texture. Just wash them thoroughly before slicing.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of the scalloped potatoes.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Why They Impress

• Savor Cheesy Comfort: A luxurious potato dish packed with rich, melted cheddar that wraps you in warm, satisfying goodness.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy layering and sauce-making skills that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality side dish perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings with its irresistible combination of creamy sauce and tender potatoes.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows you to swap cheeses or add extras like bacon or herbs to make it your own signature dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that create the hearty base of this creamy casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth sauce texture.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese: Deliver a tangy, rich cheese flavor that gives the dish its signature cheesy taste.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Onion Powder, Paprika, Dried Parsley, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with subtle spices and seasoning.
• Onions: Provide a sweet and savory depth to the layered potato dish.

• Olive Oil or Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole dish is well-greased for easy serving and cleanup.

How to Prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Gradually whisk in flour and cook while continuing to whisk.

• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Slowly incorporate chicken broth and milk, alternating between the two.

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and simmer for 5 minutes.

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• White cheddar cheese

Continue simmering while preparing the potato layers.

Step 3: Layer Potato Goodness

Arrange the first layer of potatoes and onions in the casserole dish.

Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.

Add the remaining potatoes and onions, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.

Step 4: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining reserved cheese over the top of the dish.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Pro Tips for Scalloped Potatoes Success

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect layered texture.
• Submerge sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to stop browning and remove excess starch.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap some chicken broth with white wine for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Replace milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Adjust flour quantity to make sauce thicker or thinner; whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve silky smooth texture.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy layers of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes promise comfort and indulgence from first bite to last. Potato slices nestled between rich cheese sauce create a hearty side dish perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners you’ll savor to the final delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) Russet Potatoes peeled and sliced in 1/8-inch rounds
• 2 pounds (907 grams) Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and sliced in 1/8-inch rounds

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) freshly grated sharp cheddar (reserve 1/2 cup for top)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated white cheddar (reserve 1/4 cup for top)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) 2% milk
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter

Other Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet onion thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a light olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a rich cheese sauce by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Infuse the butter with minced garlic, sautéing for one minute while stirring continuously. Gradually incorporate flour, cooking for 3-4 minutes and whisking constantly to develop a smooth base.
3. Enhance the sauce with onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gradually introduce chicken broth and milk, alternating between the liquids and whisking until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
4. Reduce heat to low and integrate sharp cheddar and white cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
5. Construct layers in the casserole dish by spreading half the sliced potatoes and half the onions. Pour a generous portion of the cheese sauce over this initial layer.
6. Complete the layering by adding the remaining potatoes and onions, then cover entirely with the remaining cheese sauce. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top for an extra golden crust.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.

Notes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Rinse sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, helping them crisp up and preventing a gummy consistency in the final product.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk with low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly without compromising flavor.
• Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda to add unique depth and complexity to the traditional scalloped potato recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 308 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 349 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg