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If you are craving a comforting, hearty side that wraps tender potatoes in a luscious blanket of gooey, melted cheese, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, blending simple ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent but still wholesome. With thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory onions, and a creamy cheddar sauce baked to golden perfection, every bite is a celebration of rich, comforting flavors you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is the first key to nailing this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—from creamy milk for smoothness to sharp cheddar for that crave-worthy cheesiness. Together, they build layers of flavor and texture that truly elevate this dish from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Russet potatoes: About 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced to ¼-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Yellow onion: One sliced into crisp rings, adding a subtle sweetness and a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Unsalted butter: Three tablespoons to create a luscious roux base that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Three tablespoons to help thicken the cheese sauce without any lumps for that silky smooth finish.
- Kosher salt: A half teaspoon in the sauce, with extra to season as needed, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Whole milk: Two cups at room temperature to create a rich, creamy base for the sauce that melds everything together.
- Mild cheddar cheese: One and a half cups shredded for that gooey, melty cheesy goodness that coats every potato slice.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning at the end, allowing you to customize the dish to your flavor preference.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for baking. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and comes out flawlessly every time.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions
Next, arrange the peeled, thinly sliced potatoes and onion rings in the baking dish. Stagger them for even cooking and beautiful presentation—layer potato, then onion, then potato again. This layering creates bursts of sweetness and softness among the tender potatoes that are simply irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour flavor. Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce. Then add all the shredded cheddar cheese at once, stirring until melted and silky smooth—this is the heart and soul of your cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Step 4: Pour Sauce and Bake
Pour your freshly made cheese sauce evenly over the layers of potatoes and onions, making sure every nook and cranny is bathed in cheesy goodness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 85 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Add a Golden Finish
If you love a crispy, golden top to your scalloped potatoes, switch the oven to broil after baking and watch carefully as the cheese browns beautifully. This final step adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy layers beneath.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can brighten the rich dish while adding a dash of color. For a touch of indulgence, a little extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika makes an eye-catching topping.
Side Dishes
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are fantastic alongside a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, ham, or even a juicy steak for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or potluck, bake the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also layer in cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the potato layers for extra flavor twists, creating your own signature Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
These potatoes freeze well! Cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe dish or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating and broil briefly if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar gives a classic flavor, feel free to mix in gouda, gruyere, or even mozzarella for a unique twist to your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is traditional to get smooth, tender layers, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients if you slice the potatoes thinly and thoroughly wash them.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and swap cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to suit dairy-free diets.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slicing potatoes about ¼-inch thick ensures they cook evenly and become tender within the baking time. A mandoline slicer is perfect but a sharp knife works just as well.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking. This makes it great for busy days or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is comfort food at its finest, a timeless dish that turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy sensation everyone will love. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a deliciously creamy and comforting side dish featuring tender layers of russet potatoes and onions smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crisp top, this recipe is perfect for any occasion where you want a hearty, flavorful dish that melts in your mouth.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer potatoes and onions: Arrange the potato slices and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, alternating between potatoes and onions to create staggered layers.
- Make the roux: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour and kosher salt, stirring constantly with a whisk for about one minute to cook the flour without browning it.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually stir in the room temperature whole milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese all at once, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Combine and cover: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 85 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Broil for crisp topping (optional): For a golden, crisp cheese topping, change the oven setting to broil after baking and broil the dish until the top is golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Season and serve: Remove from oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy side dish.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices, which helps them cook evenly.
- Room temperature milk helps prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent the top from drying out.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely golden crust.
- Make sure potatoes are tender by testing with a fork before removing from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
