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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes feature tender, thinly sliced Russet potatoes baked in a luscious sharp cheddar cheese sauce with garlic and onion powder. This quick and easy side dish offers a rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s customizable with herbs, spices, and cheese variations, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser suitable for many meal occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the Russet potatoes, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking and tender layers.
  2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion powder, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, warming the mixture gently. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes and sauce, pressing gently to help the layers settle.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve perfect portions. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes thinly and evenly using a mandoline or sharp knife for best results.
  • Use fresh garlic and high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for optimal flavor.
  • Allow the dish to rest after baking to thicken sauce and improve texture.
  • Keep the dish covered during the initial baking to retain moisture and prevent burning.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning of the cheese sauce before baking.
  • This recipe can be customized with additional cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyere, or spices such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, holiday side dish