Let me tell you, cheesy scalloped potatoes are one of those dishes that can turn any meal into a cozy feast! I still remember the first time I had them at my grandma’s house—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, it was like a warm hug on my plate. This dish is all about layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich cheese sauce, and trust me, it doesn’t get much better than that. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or just as a hearty vegetarian option, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy adventure together!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything you need to create these mouthwatering cheesy scalloped potatoes! You’ll want to make sure you have the right ingredients on hand for that creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (I love using russets for their fluffiness!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use sharp for extra flavor!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted is my go-to)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground gives the best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go, and let’s get ready to layer that cheesy goodness!
How to Prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Now, let’s get our hands dirty and make these cheesy scalloped potatoes! It’s a simple process, and I promise the end result will be worth every minute. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to get that perfect bubbly cheese on top.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well. This will help prevent sticking and make serving a breeze!
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until it’s smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and gooey.
- Layer the potatoes: Now, it’s time to assemble! Layer half of your sliced potatoes in the greased dish, and then pour half of that luscious cheese sauce over them. Repeat this with the remaining potatoes and sauce, finishing off with a sprinkle of the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake: Pop your dish into the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is all bubbly and golden.
After baking, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set a bit, making it easier to serve. Trust me, the anticipation will only make it taste better!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these cheesy scalloped potatoes! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. For a typical serving (about one-sixth of the dish), you can expect:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
With all that creamy goodness, it’s definitely a comfort food treat! Just remember, everything in moderation, right? Enjoy these cheesy delights as part of a balanced meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs!
- The layers of creamy cheese and tender potatoes create an irresistible flavor combination.
- It’s a classic comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
- Great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in!
- Leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day—if you can resist eating it all at once!
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy scalloped potatoes absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, using a mandoline for slicing your potatoes ensures they’re all uniform, which helps them cook evenly. Plus, it saves you some time—win-win!
When making the cheese sauce, don’t rush the thickening process. Stir it constantly, and you’ll avoid lumps. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
For presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a pop of color. And remember, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking helps everything settle nicely, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with these cheesy scalloped potatoes! One of my favorite ways to mix things up is by experimenting with different cheeses. Try swapping out the cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a more gourmet twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of cheeses can take the flavor to a whole new level!
You can also sneak in some veggies for added nutrition and texture. Think sliced zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms—just sauté them a bit first to soften them up. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a beautiful aromatic quality that really elevates the dish. Just sprinkle some on top before baking for a fragrant finish.
So, go ahead and have fun with it—personalizing this recipe is part of the joy of cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of cheesy scalloped potatoes, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! First, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and trust me, it keeps surprisingly well!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to bring back that lovely bubbly texture. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If you love a little extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. And voila! You’ll have that cheesy goodness ready to enjoy again. Just remember to keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt edges!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness, you can also try Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or even red potatoes if you prefer a waxy variety. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking!
Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. It may need a few extra minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on it!
What can I serve with cheesy scalloped potatoes?
These potatoes are the perfect side for so many dishes! Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad for a lovely balance. They also shine at potlucks and family gatherings as a comforting addition.
How can I make them gluten-free?
To make cheesy scalloped potatoes gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This change will still give you that rich, creamy sauce without the gluten!
What if my cheese sauce is lumpy?
If your cheese sauce turns out lumpy, don’t panic! You can use an immersion blender to smooth it out or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Just remember to stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming in the first place!
For more tips on cooking potatoes, check out this potato resource.
For a delicious twist on scalloped potatoes, you can explore this recipe for loaded scalloped potatoes.
Imprimer
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Soul
- Temps Total: 80 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a rich cheese sauce.
Ingrédients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 450mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: cheesy scalloped potatoes, side dish, comfort food
