Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Start with a hook: There’s something about cozy, home-cooked meatballs that feels like a warm hug after a long day. But let’s take it up a notch—how about meatballs that are not only hearty but also tender from creamy ricotta and topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs? It’s the kind of dish that can make any weeknight feel special or impress friends on the weekend.

Personal Anecdote: I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something comforting yet easy to prepare. It quickly became a favorite for my family—especially on chilly nights when we gather around the dinner table with warm plates of pasta and these irresistible meatballs. My kids love it because the ricotta makes the meatballs so soft and creamy, while my husband can’t get enough of the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons you’ll fall in love with these cheesy scalloped potatoes, but let me break it down for you:

• Rich and Creamy: The cheesy sauce is made from a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a touch of garlic that turns every bite into a creamy, savory dream.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make something special. Potatoes, cheese, butter, and milk come together to create a dish that’s simply delicious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a random Tuesday, these scalloped potatoes are the perfect complement to just about any meal.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can easily prepare these potatoes a day in advance, pop them in the fridge, and bake them off just before dinner. This makes them a stress-free option when entertaining guests.

And let’s be real—who can resist that golden, bubbly layer of cheese on top? It’s pure comfort in every bite.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 350 calories
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy scalloped potatoes:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and absorb all the creamy goodness.
• Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Gruyère gives the dish a deep, savory flavor with a touch of nuttiness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan.
• Butter and Flour: These form the base of the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
• Milk and Cream: For an extra creamy sauce, we use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. You can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it looks!

Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later on.

Slice the potatoes

Peel your potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. Uniform slices help the potatoes cook evenly. Set the sliced potatoes aside.Pro tip: Don’t rinse your sliced potatoes! The starch on the surface helps thicken the sauce.

Make the cheese sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to make a roux. The roux will help thicken the sauce.

Add the milk and cream

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the cheese

Reduce the heat to low and add 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and ¾ cup of the Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Save the remaining cheese for the top! Season with salt and pepper to taste.Confidence booster: If your cheese sauce looks a little too thick or thin, don’t panic! You can always thin it out with a splash of milk or thicken it by letting it cook for a few more minutes.

Layer the potatoes

Now for the fun part—assembling! Start by placing a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly to cover them. Repeat this process with two more layers, ending with a final layer of cheese sauce.Reassurance: The sauce may look a little thick at first, but as the potatoes bake, they’ll release moisture and everything will come together perfectly.

Top with cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheese on top of the dish. This is what will give you that irresistible, bubbly, golden crust.

Bake the potatoes

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Rest before serving

Once your scalloped potatoes are out of the oven, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any main course. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• Pair them with roasted chicken or a juicy steak for a hearty meal.
• Serve them alongside ham or turkey for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• For a vegetarian option, enjoy them as the main dish with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables.

However you decide to serve them, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to be the star of the meal!

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your cheesy scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time:

1. Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best option because of their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce and gives the dish a creamy texture.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the sauce to break or clump. Make sure your milk, cream, and cheese are at room temperature before starting.
3. Don’t rush the bake time: The key to perfect scalloped potatoes is baking them low and slow. The potatoes need time to soften, and the cheese sauce needs time to bubble and thicken.
4. Let them rest: After baking, allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes. This will help the sauce set and make serving easier.
5. Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. This makes it a great option for holiday meals when you have a lot of other dishes to prepare.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

• Add protein: Layer in some cooked ham, bacon, or even cooked ground beef between the layers of potatoes for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian: Make it a meal by adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the potato layers.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Different cheeses: While cheddar and Gruyère are classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a more complex flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

Want to make this dish ahead and freeze it? Assemble the scalloped potatoes as directed but don’t bake them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

FAQ: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1. Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fully assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed. If you’re baking it directly from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

2. What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

While both dishes feature layers of sliced potatoes, there’s a slight difference. Scalloped potatoes are traditionally made with a creamy sauce and don’t always include cheese. Au gratin potatoes, on the other hand, typically have cheese both in the sauce and sprinkled on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust. That being said, this recipe is a cheesy twist on classic scalloped potatoes, so you get the best of both worlds!

3. Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes are the best option for scalloped potatoes due to their high starch content, which helps thicken the sauce. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties, as they don’t hold up as well and may result in a runny dish.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free cheesy scalloped potatoes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The cornstarch should be mixed with a bit of cold milk before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping. Other than that, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

5. How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The scalloped potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If the top looks golden brown but the potatoes still feel firm, cover the dish with foil and continue baking until they’re soft and cooked through.

6. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Yes! If you’re planning to freeze the dish, it’s best to assemble the potatoes and sauce, but don’t bake them yet. Instead, cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake according to the recipe. You might need to add a bit of extra time to the baking process to ensure they heat through completely.

7. Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients. Popular additions include cooked ham, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even broccoli for a pop of color. Just make sure any added ingredients are pre-cooked so that they blend well with the potatoes and cheese sauce.

8. What can I serve with cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Cheesy scalloped potatoes make a fantastic side dish for just about any meal! They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like ham, chicken, or beef. You can also serve them alongside grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or even as part of a brunch spread with eggs and sausage.

9. Why does my cheese sauce curdle?

Cheese sauce can curdle if it’s cooked at too high a temperature or if the cheese isn’t incorporated slowly. To avoid this, keep your heat on low when adding the cheese and stir constantly. Make sure your milk and cream are at room temperature before adding them to the roux, and always use full-fat cheese for the creamiest results.

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain that crispy, cheesy top.

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Conclusion

And there you have it—delicious, cheesy scalloped potatoes that are sure to become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine! This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, and I hope you enjoy making (and eating) it as much as I do. Whether you’re serving them up at a holiday feast or just treating yourself on a weeknight, these scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Happy cooking!