Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a creamy, rich, and comforting side dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes baked in a garlic-infused creamy cheese sauce. Made with cheddar and parmesan cheeses, heavy cream, and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Potatoes & Vegetables
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the cheeses and potatoes: Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses freshly. Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin 1/8-inch (3 mm) slices for uniform cooking.
- Make the cream sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Assemble the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes over the bottom, overlapping slightly but not worrying about perfect arrangement. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of each cheese evenly on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a final cheese layer on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This initial covered baking will help the potatoes cook through and the flavors meld.
- Remove foil and finish baking: Take off the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a toothpick and the top is golden and bubbly. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check earlier if your oven runs hot.
- Rest before serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the dish set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- This recipe is an incredibly comforting and rich side dish, perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Using freshly grated cheeses provides better melting quality and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Russet potatoes yield a fluffier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier bite; either works beautifully in this dish.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
- If desired, swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, though the dish will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 562 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 101 mg
