Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine creamy layers of potatoes, smothered in luscious cheese, bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Every forkful is a perfect blend of gooey cheese and tender potato, evoking memories of family gatherings and hearty holiday meals.
I remember the first time I made cheesy scalloped potatoes for a dinner party; my friends devoured them and declared me a culinary genius. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or festive celebrations, promising to bring smiles and satisfied bellies to any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cheesy scalloped potatoes are easy to prepare, making them ideal for any home cook
- With layers of rich flavor, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds
- The golden-brown top adds visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests
- Perfect as a side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners alike
I once served these cheesy scalloped potatoes at a potluck, and they vanished faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Russet Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Heavy Cream: Rich cream gives the dish its velvety texture and indulgent flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use high-quality cheese for maximum flavor impact—it’s worth it!
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth; adjust according to your preference.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding richness to each layer.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A final touch of color and freshness on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling about 3-4 russet potatoes. Slice them thinly; aim for about 1/8-inch thickness for even cooking.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it liberally with butter to prevent sticking.
Create Your Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined for an even distribution of flavors.
Layer Those Potatoes!: Begin layering your sliced potatoes into the baking dish. Pour some cream mixture over each layer and sprinkle with sharp cheddar cheese for that melty goodness.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes to allow that golden crust to form.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once baked through (test with a fork), remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired!
Now you have cheesy scalloped potatoes that will steal the show at any meal! Each bite promises creamy goodness that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Content
The secret to creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes lies in using heavy cream for that rich texture. I learned this the hard way after a family dinner left me with dry, sad potatoes.
Choosing the right cheese is crucial; a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère creates unbeatable flavor. Trust me, my first attempt with just one type was a cheesy flop!
Slicing the potatoes evenly ensures they cook uniformly, preventing some from being mushy while others remain crunchy. I used to think “close enough” was good enough—spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Layer the sliced potatoes with cream and cheese, then bake until golden brown, usually around 45 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist that elevates the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness or microwave for quick convenience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cheesy scalloped potatoes, always slice your potatoes evenly and use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor
- Don’t skip preheating your oven; it ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess
- A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top can add a delightful crunch
Cooking Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes took some trial and error, but when my friends devoured them at my last dinner party, I knew I had finally nailed it!
FAQ
What type of potatoes work best for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
Can I make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking; just add extra time when cooking.
What can I serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
These cheesy delights pair well with roasted meats or a fresh garden salad for balance.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender layers of russet potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. With a golden-brown crust and gooey melted cheese, these scalloped potatoes promise to be a showstopper at any meal!
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over them and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
