Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort dish! They are creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden brown, making them so inviting. Perfect for family dinners!
I love how easy they are to make! Just slice the potatoes, layer with cheese, and pop them in the oven. The smell alone is worth it—who doesn’t love melted cheese? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Starchy varieties like Russets are best for scalloped potatoes as they break down nicely and create a creamy texture. Yukon Golds work too! If you prefer a healthier option, you can use sweet potatoes for a colorful twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a crowd favorite for its flavor. However, if you’re looking for something different, try Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a creamier finish. Vegan cheese can work as a substitute for a dairy-free option!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or just stick with regular milk. If you’re looking for dairy alternatives, coconut cream is a great option, though it will add a unique flavor.
Butter: Olive oil or dairy-free margarine can replace butter if needed. I find that using olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor while keeping it lighter.
How Do I Achieve a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Getting that creamy, lump-free cheese sauce is crucial. Here are some helpful steps:
- Make sure to whisk the roux continuously after adding the flour. This helps prevent burning.
- When adding milk and cream, do it slowly while whisking; this keeps the sauce even.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. You want it to coat the back of a spoon, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- When adding cheese, remove the saucepan from heat first to prevent it from becoming grainy. Stir until smooth!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour to bake. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, just let it cool for 10 minutes before serving! Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure your potatoes bake evenly and come out perfectly creamy.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the flour and whisk it in. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly so it forms a roux. This will help thicken your sauce.
3. Add Milk and Cream:
Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously. This will prevent any lumps from forming. Cook and stir the mixture until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Keep mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Layer the Potatoes:
In your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices evenly across the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over these potatoes, making sure to cover them well.
6. Finish Layering:
Now, add the remaining potato slices on top. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce over these layers, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if you want an extra cheesy topping) evenly over the top of the dish.
8. Bake:
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.
9. Let It Rest:
After you take it out of the oven, let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving them. This helps the layers settle a bit.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes—rich, comforting, and perfect for any meal! Serve with your favorite protein or on their own, and don’t forget the thyme garnish for a touch of color!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russets are ideal for their creaminess, Yukon Golds are a great alternative and will add a slightly buttery flavor. If you want a unique twist, try using sweet potatoes for a healthier option!
What to Do If My Cheese Sauce is Lumpy?
If you find that your cheese sauce is lumpy, don’t fret! You can try blending it with an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender and blending until smooth. Just ensure to do this before the cheese is added!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge!