Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy Comfort Classic

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Perfect Comfort Food

There's something irresistible about cheesy scalloped potatoes. The combination of tender, thinly sliced potatoes drenched in a rich, creamy cheese sauce is the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether it's a special holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight meal, this dish never fails to impress. The golden brown cheese topping adds the perfect finish, making it a crowd favorite every time.

What makes this recipe stand out is the way the potatoes are thinly sliced, giving the dish a delicate, layered texture. It's like biting into a stack of cheesy, velvety goodness. The layers of onions add a subtle sweetness, which balances out the savory richness of the cheddar cheese sauce. Every forkful is a blend of soft potatoes, creamy sauce, and that slightly crispy cheese topping – simply heavenly.

Now, let's dive into how to make these incredible cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 Russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Thinly Slice Your Potatoes and Onions: Start by slicing your Russet potatoes and onions as thinly as possible. The thinner the slices, the better the texture will be. A mandolin slicer works best, but a sharp knife can do the trick if needed. The thin slices ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture while baking.

2. Prepare the Cheese Cream Sauce: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Continue whisking for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste. Add in minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then cook for another minute until the roux turns golden brown. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Once the milk and cream are fully incorporated, add in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and whisk until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, rich sauce.

3. Assemble and Layer: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking pan with butter, then spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce at the bottom. Start layering the potato slices, overlapping them slightly, followed by a sprinkling of onions. Pour over more cheese sauce, making sure each layer is well coated.

Repeat this layering process until you have about 3-4 layers of potatoes. Finish with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on the surface.

4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should form a crispy, browned layer on top, while the potatoes will be soft and creamy.

Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme for an extra touch of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This cheesy scalloped potato recipe is a hit because it combines simple, comforting ingredients with a foolproof method. The thinly sliced potatoes soak up all the creamy cheese sauce, while the onions add a subtle but essential flavor. The cheddar cheese gives it a sharp bite that balances out the richness of the butter and cream. Each bite is full of layered goodness, making it a perfect side dish or even a main course on a cozy night.

So, next time you're in need of a heartwarming dish, look no further than these cheesy scalloped potatoes. They're easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and bound to become a family favorite.

Here is a complete breakdown of the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe with an enticing presentation and an easy-to-follow guide for making this delicious comfort food.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Creamy Comfort Classic

Nothing brings comfort to the table quite like cheesy scalloped potatoes. Thin slices of tender russet potatoes are layered with onions and smothered in a velvety, cheddar cheese sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a perfect balance of creaminess, cheese, and subtle savory flavors from the onions and garlic.

The key to this recipe is getting the potato slices thin and ensuring the cheese sauce has the perfect consistency to soak into each layer. The rich sauce, made from cheddar cheese, butter, flour, milk, and cream, creates an irresistible dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or stands on its own as a hearty side dish. Once baked to golden perfection, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Thinly Slice Potatoes and Onions: Using a mandolin slicer (or a sharp knife), thinly slice the potatoes and onions. Thin slices help the potatoes absorb the cheesy sauce and bake evenly.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to form a roux, whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle some of the onions over the potatoes, then cover with more cheese sauce. Repeat this layering process until all the potatoes are used, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

This recipe yields perfectly creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with a crispy golden topping that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are versatile and easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both holidays and simple family dinners. The key to success is a smooth cheese sauce and thin potato slices, which ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Plus, the dish can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving, making it convenient for busy cooks​(i am baker)​(Yellow Bliss Road)​(The Cozy Cook).