Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes combine tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect comforting side dish. Ideal for holidays or any meal, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of creamy, cheesy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 cups Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (or blend of cheddar and your favorites)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them evenly about 1/8-inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking and a beautiful layered look.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add the heavy cream while continuously stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Potatoes: Grease a baking dish and spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour some cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering potatoes and cheese sauce until all are used, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Bake the Potatoes: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Fried Onion Topping: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the onions are golden and the potatoes are bubbling deliciously.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides intense flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
- Making a roux thickens the sauce, preventing it from becoming watery.
- Keep the dish covered while baking initially to retain moisture and tenderness.
- For best flavor, prepare your own fried onions instead of store-bought ones.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, fried onion topping, comfort food, holiday side dish, baked potatoes