Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce are baked to golden perfection, making this dish the perfect side for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- A versatile side dish that pairs well with roasts, steaks, or even as a standalone meal.
- Customizable with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon or broccoli.
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 kg of potatoes (or enough to fill the dish)
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 3/4 cup cheddar
- 1 cup cream
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parsley or dill, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C/gas mark 5) and butter a baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly using a knife, mandolin, or food processor.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Assemble: Arrange the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. You can lay them flat, overlap, or stand them up for visual appeal.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil, pour the remaining sauce over the potatoes, and continue baking for another hour, or until the potatoes are tender and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley or dill and serve hot or warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 5 people
Variations
- Add Protein: Include cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add layers of mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach for more texture and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Swap mozzarella and cheddar for gruyere, parmesan, or fontina for a richer flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper, mustard powder, or paprika for a subtle kick.
- Healthier Twist: Use reduced-fat milk and cheese or substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best as they bake up tender and creamy.
How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, and arrange them in layers without overcrowding.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?
Whisk continuously while adding the milk and cream to avoid lumps.
What other herbs can I use?
Try chives, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Covering the dish for the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook evenly. Remove the cover for a golden, crispy top.
What’s the best way to slice potatoes thinly?
A mandolin slicer is ideal for creating thin, even slices quickly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of mozzarella for creaminess and cheddar for sharpness works well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Conclusion
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction every time. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these creamy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Perfectly baked layers of tender potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce make this dish the ultimate comfort food. A must-have for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes (enough to fill your dish)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Peel and slice potatoes thinly and evenly using a knife, mandolin, or food processor. Arrange them in the baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream to avoid lumps.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Layer and Bake:
- Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, pour the remaining sauce, and bake for another hour or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with parsley or dill and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Potatoes: Slice thinly and soak in cold water to reduce starch for a crispier texture.
- Cheese: Experiment with Gruyere, Parmesan, or Fontina for a deeper flavor. Add cayenne or mustard powder for a spicy twist.
- Extras: Layer with bacon, ham, or veggies for added flavor and texture.
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