Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for any meal. Layers of tender sliced potatoes are smothered in a rich cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle of the oven.
2. Step 2: Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch (3 mm) slices using a mandoline slicer for even thickness.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper, and warm until it begins to boil. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the potato slices in an overlapping layer on the bottom. Pour half the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of each cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the potatoes meets little resistance. Check doneness earlier if your oven runs hot.
6. Step 6: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or Russets for a more traditional, fluffy bite.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• Mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions between layers for a savory twist.
• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating can help restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from cold.

What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are baked in a cream or milk-based sauce typically without cheese, though variations may include it. Au gratin potatoes always include cheese in the sauce and often have a crispy cheese topping. This recipe blends both styles by layering cheeses and cream for rich flavor.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 668 reviews

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender, thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich mixture of heavy cream, garlic, and layers of freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a bubbly cheese crust, this comforting side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion requiring a cheesy, creamy potato delight.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses

• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Potatoes

• 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch)

Other Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes and Cheese: While the oven heats, peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin, 1/8-inch (3 mm) slices. Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses freshly and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then add salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally and let the mixture warm until it just begins to boil, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the potato slices evenly on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle half of both cheeses evenly on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the potatoes slides in easily with little resistance. Adjust baking time based on your oven’s heat intensity.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and for easier slicing.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get even thin slices for uniform baking.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps it firm up and improves texture for serving.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though texture may vary slightly.
• For an extra crispy top, you can broil for 2-3 minutes after baking uncovered, watching closely to prevent burning.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food, side dish, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese