Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone around the table, eager for a second helping. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic recipe that does just that—drawing in guests with their bubbling, golden tops and mouthwatering aroma. If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress at holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or even weeknight meals, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection.

Imagine layers upon layers of tender russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, smothered in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, then baked until the top is irresistibly crusty and golden brown. The marriage of sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheese laces every bite with rich, savory flavor, while the addition of sweet onions, a hint of garlic, and fragrant spices balances the entire dish. Each forkful melts in your mouth, delivering warmth and satisfaction that feels like home.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are beloved for their simplicity as much as their decadence. You only need a few pantry staples and some straightforward steps to create culinary magic. With this detailed, step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie. Not only will you find answers to the most common questions, but you’ll also discover tips for tweaking the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.

So, get ready to indulge in the unmatched comfort and flavor of the best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes you’ve ever tasted. This is more than just a side dish—it’s the star of the spread, guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes aren’t just another side dish—they’re a soulful, crowd-pleasing showstopper. What makes this recipe the best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes you’ll ever try is its perfect combination of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce blankets every potato slice, while the top becomes deliciously bubbly and crisp after baking. It’s the contrast of silky interior and crunchy golden finish that people crave time and again.

Beyond taste, this dish offers incredible versatility. Whether you serve it alongside holiday ham, roast chicken, or even as a satisfying meatless entrée, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes elevate any meal. The inclusion of both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes ensures the perfect blend—russets offering tender fluffiness, Yukons bringing buttery richness. Add a subtle kick of smoked paprika, a whisper of dried parsley, and both sharp and white cheddar cheeses, and you have a layered flavor profile that can be customized to your liking.

Additionally, this recipe is tailored for real life: it can be prepped in advance, travels beautifully for potlucks, and delivers consistent results every time. It’s also just as good (if not better) reheated the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.

If you’re after a dish that combines nostalgia, indulgence, and simplicity, look no further than Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. One pan is never enough!

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Choosing the right ingredients is the key to making irresistibly creamy and flavorful Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this classic recipe to life:

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
• Russets provide structure and soak up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
• Yukons add a buttery, tender texture that perfectly complements russets.
• 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
• Sweet onion imparts subtle sweetness and aroma—don’t skip this secret flavor booster.
• 1/4 cup butter
• Butter is the creamy base for the roux and adds richness throughout.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Garlic infuses warmth and complexity into the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Enhances the savory depth, working alongside fresh onion.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• A gentle smoky undertone balances the creamy cheese.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
• Brightens the flavor and adds a pop of herbal freshness.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Adds just the right amount of heat and aromatic kick.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Flour creates the silky roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Broth builds a flavorful foundation, keeping the sauce light yet savory.
• 2 cups 2% milk
• Ensures the sauce is creamy and smooth without being overly heavy.
• 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
• Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for robust cheesy flavor.
• 1 cup freshly grated white cheddar cheese (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
• White cheddar offers creamy balance and elevates the cheese blend.

Using freshly grated cheese is crucial—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. These ingredients combine for a decadent, comfort-food classic that never fails to delight.

Necessary Tools

Creating the best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes starts with gathering the right tools. Having these items ready before you start will streamline the prep and ensure perfect results:

• 9×13 inch casserole dish: The ideal size for even cooking and creamy, layered potatoes.
• Large skillet or saucepan: For preparing the cheese sauce, ensuring enough space for whisking.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a lump-free, ultra-smooth cheese sauce.
• Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline: Precision is key for uniform potato slices. A mandoline guarantees even 1/8-inch rounds, but a sharp knife works just as well with patience.
• Cutting board: A stable, safe surface for peeling and slicing potatoes and onions.
• Vegetable peeler: Makes quick work of peeling potatoes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement ensures the right balance of flavors and texture.
• Mixing bowls: Handy for organizing ingredients before assembly.
• Aluminum foil: Keeps potatoes tender during the initial bake.
• Oven mitts: Safety first! You’ll need these for handling hot dishes.

Setting up your workspace with these tools makes the process smoother—from slicing and layering to whisking and baking. Plus, it keeps cleanup minimal and stress-free.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the charms of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how adaptable the recipe is. Whether you have dietary restrictions, want to add your own flair, or need to adjust based on what’s in your pantry, these additions and substitutions will ensure you never run out of ways to customize your dish.

Potato Choices:

• While russet and Yukon Gold potatoes offer the ideal texture and flavor, you can use just one variety if needed. Red potatoes also work but may yield a slightly waxier texture. For a colorful twist, incorporate some purple or red-skinned potatoes.

Dairy Options:

• Milk: 2% milk strikes a good balance between richness and lightness. For extra creaminess, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for up to half the milk. For a lighter version, try whole or even skim milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Cheese: Sharp and white cheddar are classic, but feel free to experiment. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or fontina can be added or swapped in for new layers of flavor. Smoked gouda imparts a fantastic, subtly smoky profile, while pepper jack gives a playful kick.
• Non-dairy: For a vegan or dairy-free option, use plant-based milk like oat or almond and your favorite melty vegan cheese. Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and ensure your flour and broth fit your dietary needs.

Broth:

• Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for vegetarian versions. If you’re out of broth, simply add more milk or use water; just remember the flavor won’t be quite as nuanced.

Additions:

• Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon or pancetta layered between the potatoes adds a smoky, salty twist.
• Ham: Diced, cooked ham turns this into a substantial main dish—perfect for using up holiday leftovers!
• Vegetables: Thinly sliced leeks, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach can be added for extra depth and nutrients.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives elevate the herby flavor.

Seasoning Enhancements:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy touch.
• A teaspoon of Dijon mustard whisked into the sauce gives a gentle tang and complexity.
• Try different spice blends for a unique finish, such as Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.

Gluten-Free Adaptations:

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of cornstarch) to keep the sauce thick and creamy.

Other Substitutions:

• If you don’t have sweet onions, yellow onions work just fine, or try shallots for a more delicate touch.
• Garlic powder can be used if you’re out of fresh garlic (use 1 teaspoon), but fresh always offers the best flavor.

No matter how you adapt your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, the key is to balance creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked potatoes. Taste as you go and don’t be afraid to make this comforting staple uniquely your own.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is easier than you might think. With a little prep and layering, you’re on your way to a dish that’s crispy on top, creamy in the middle, and totally irresistible. The process includes prepping the potatoes, building the cheese sauce, layering everything in a casserole dish, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or a nonstick spray. This simple step ensures the potatoes won’t stick, and cleanup stays easy.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes and Onion

Using a mandoline or sharp chef’s knife, peel and slice the russet and Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds. Uniform slices cook evenly for the perfect tender texture. Thinly slice the sweet onion as well—this will add sweetness and help the layers meld together.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Whisk in the flour until it forms a paste—cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Sprinkle in the onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, alternating between the two, and whisk until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1-1/2 cups sharp cheddar and 3/4 cup white cheddar, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce silky. Keep this sauce warm while you assemble the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Arrange half the sliced potatoes and onions in an even layer in your prepared casserole dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring every slice is touched by the creamy sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, then add the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and white cheddar evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your casserole with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes—this ensures the potatoes cook evenly and gently. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown, bubbling, and lightly crisp.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

Allow the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce set so you get picture-perfect slices and maximum flavor with every serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are fabulously versatile and pair well with a wide range of main courses and side dishes. Their creamy richness beautifully complements roasted or grilled meats—think baked honey-glazed ham, succulent roast beef, or crispy-skinned roast chicken. For a classic comfort food experience, serve your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or a medley of simply sautéed seasonal vegetables.

If you’re hosting a potluck or holiday feast, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are an easy crowd-pleaser that stands up well to buffet-style serving. Bring them to a family gathering or a Friendsgiving—and watch as the casserole dish is scraped clean every time.

For a vegetarian meal, pair these potatoes with a hearty lentil loaf, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a vibrant, fresh touch. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this versatile dish will steal the show!

Pro Tips & Tricks

Making the ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is all about the details. Here are some tried and true tips to ensure creamy, tender, and flavorful potatoes every single time:

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: A mandoline is your best friend for getting consistent 1/8-inch slices. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and perfectly tender potatoes throughout.
• Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra couple of minutes to grate cheese from the block for the best melt and flavor.

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