Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy recipe delivers a rich and satisfying side that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (for sauce)
• 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or Gruyère), grated (for topping)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking.
2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
4. Step 4: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
7. Step 7: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of extra grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Step 9: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or cream instead of milk.
• Try adding a layer of cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Gruyère cheese makes a wonderful alternative topping for a nuttier taste.
• Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the best texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for scalloped potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely and have a buttery flavor, while Russets give a creamier texture.

Do scalloped potatoes need to be soaked before baking?

Soaking is not necessary but rinsing the sliced potatoes briefly can help remove excess starch, resulting in a less gummy texture.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

Classic Scalloped Potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with an extra layer of melted cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or holiday meals, offering a rich, savory flavor and a golden, bubbly crust.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping and Garnish

• 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or Gruyère), grated
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of the scalloped potatoes.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking during baking.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste and add a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired for a subtle heat.
4. Assemble the Potatoes: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and pour the remaining cheese sauce on top.
5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of extra grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyère) evenly over the assembled casserole for a delicious golden crust.
6. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

• Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
• Use sharp cheddar for a flavorful cheese sauce, but feel free to mix in Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
• The pinch of cayenne pepper is optional but adds a lovely subtle kick to the dish.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
• Make sure not to skip the roux step to avoid a lumpy cheese sauce.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato casserole, baked potatoes, comfort food, cheddar cheese sauce