Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a hearty side to accompany your favorite main courses. The richness of the creamy cheese sauce, combined with the perfectly baked potatoes, creates a mouthwatering combination that’s both savory and satisfying. The dash of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick to the otherwise smooth and comforting dish, making each bite even more delicious. Simple yet decadent, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just looking for a comforting side, this dish never fails to impress. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that is rich in flavor and texture, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This dish comes together in a few simple steps, making it accessible for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.

2. Cheesy Goodness

The melted cheddar cheese creates a creamy, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the tender potatoes, making every bite irresistible.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Cheesy scalloped potatoes store well in the fridge and can easily be reheated for leftovers, making them great for meal prep.

4. Customizable

Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

5. Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Grated sharp cheddar cheese

For the Potatoes:

• Thinly sliced potatoes
• Additional grated cheese for topping

Variations

Add Garlic

Incorporate minced garlic into the sauce for a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.

Use Different Cheeses

Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Add Bacon

For a smoky flavor, add cooked bacon bits to the potatoes before pouring the cheese sauce over them. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and potatoes.

Herbs and Spices

Season the potatoes with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, or try adding a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

Make It a One-Pot Dish

You can also make this recipe in a stovetop-to-oven dish, combining the ingredients in a large skillet and baking directly in the pan.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, blend in the flour and let it cook for about one minute to create a roux.

Step 2: Add the Milk

Slowly add the cold milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Add salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Stir occasionally, cooking on low heat until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes

In a lightly greased one-quart casserole dish, place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure they are fully coated.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the process by layering the remaining potatoes and pouring the rest of the cheese sauce over them. Sprinkle the top with additional grated cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Potatoes

Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them as uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer is ideal for this.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Casserole: If using a larger dish, be sure to spread the potatoes out evenly to ensure they cook properly and the sauce absorbs into every layer.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat milk and butter.
• Pre-cook Potatoes for a Smoother Sauce: If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can par-cook the potatoes before layering them in the casserole dish.
• Cover While Baking: If you find the top of your dish is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the first 20 minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a fantastic side dish for any meal. They pair perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef, as well as with grilled chicken or even a vegetarian main course. They’re also great with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For extra flair, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley, over the top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

For longer storage, cheesy scalloped potatoes can be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. You can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or fontina for different flavors. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

3. Can I make this recipe in a larger dish?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but they might release more moisture during baking, so be mindful of that when preparing the sauce.

5. Can I skip the cayenne pepper?

Yes, if you don’t like spice, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

6. Can I use skim milk?

While full-fat milk provides the creamiest sauce, you can use skim milk or a milk alternative, though the sauce may not be as rich.

7. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Test the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it goes through easily, they are done.

8. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, you can add cooked ham, bacon bits, or even cooked chicken to the layers for a heartier meal.

9. Can I make this dish without flour?

If you prefer to avoid flour, you can make a gluten-free version by using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.

10. How can I make the top extra crispy?

For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With creamy, cheesy sauce and tender potatoes, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your table. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to impress. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and truly delicious.

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