If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and rich, creamy delight, look no further than Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This classic side is everything you want in comfort food: tender, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection with a bubbly, cheesy crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe promises to bring smile-worthy satisfaction with every bite, making it an unforgettable addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tender textures, while adding subtle layers of flavor and color.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The foundation of this dish that becomes beautifully tender and absorbs all the rich flavors.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky smooth sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheesy milk mixture into a velvety sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that complements the creamy goodness without overpowering.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy base for the sauce, soaking into the potatoes for perfect softness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: The star of the show, delivering that irresistible cheesy flavor and melty texture.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. While it warms up, peel your potatoes and slice them thinly—this ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce. Thin slices are key to tender, flavorful scalloped potatoes.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth paste without lumps. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency—this is the luscious base that will coat each potato slice in cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Pour half of the thickened milk mixture over the potatoes, making sure the layers are coated well. Then sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese for a beautiful, triple-threat dish.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Baking it covered for an hour allows the potatoes to steam gently, becoming tender and soaking in the cheese sauce without drying out. This step is where the flavors start to marry perfectly.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered for a Golden Finish
After one hour, remove the foil and continue baking the dish for an additional 30 minutes. This extra time lets the top layer of cheese bubble up and turn a stunning golden brown, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath. Once bubbly and golden, your dish is ready to share and enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, herbaceous pop that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little crispy bacon or caramelized onions on top for crunch and smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables helps balance the meal. Think roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or even a refreshing cucumber salad to lighten the plate without skimping on deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
To make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes feel extra special, try assembling them in individual ramekins for a personalized touch or layering with other cheeses like Gruyère and Parmesan for deeper, complex flavors. You can even add cooked ham or sautéed mushrooms between layers for a heartier twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting side multiple times with minimal effort.
Freezing
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes hold up well in the freezer. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the creamy texture and prevent watery sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep that bubbly, cheesy crust intact. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can turn the sauce a bit watery and reduce the delightful texture contrasts of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for unique tastes. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the creamy sauce.
Should I peel the potatoes or leave the skin on?
Peeling guarantees a silky, smooth texture that classic scalloped potatoes are known for, but if you prefer added texture and nutrients, leaving the skins on is fine—just be sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan spread, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The texture and flavor will be different but still tasty.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal for even cooking and perfect tenderness. Too thick, and the potatoes may not cook through well; too thin, and they might break apart during baking.
Why do I need to bake the dish covered first?
Baking covered creates a steamy environment that softens the potatoes evenly, allowing them to cook through while keeping moisture locked in. Removing the cover later gives you that gorgeous golden top without drying out the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to bring comfort, flavor, and a bit of cozy magic to your table, you simply must try making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. It’s a timeless dish that never fails to impress with its creamy layers and cheesy charm. Once you taste it, this recipe will likely become one of your very favorites to share with people you love.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main, it’s a classic dish that pleases any crowd.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuously stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Layer the Potatoes: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour half of the prepared milk sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to cook through while the sauce infuses them with flavor.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step browns the cheese on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust and ensures the potatoes are tender.
- Serve Hot: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and serve the scalloped potatoes hot, enjoying the creamy, cheesy comfort with every bite.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the butter before whisking in the flour.
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best texture and taste.
- Grate your own Cheddar cheese for a fresher, richer flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce before serving.
- You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving for freshness.
