Family dinners were special when I was young. Cheesy scalloped potatoes were always there. My grandmother would make them, layering thin potato slices.
We helped slice the potatoes, making each one 1/8 of an inch thick. The smell of creamy potatoes filled the kitchen. We couldn’t wait to eat.
With melted cheddar cheese on top, these potatoes were the best. They were perfect for holidays and family gatherings. Now, I want to share this recipe with you.
What Are Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a dish with layers of potatoes, cream, and lots of cheese. It’s like a cheesy potato casserole but even better. The potatoes get soft and creamy, making it a cozy treat.
This dish is great as a side or a main meal. It’s filled with sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor. The potatoes and cheese mix together, making it perfect for family dinners or relaxing nights.
Making this dish is quick, taking about 45-50 minutes with pre-boiled potatoes. It’s ready in about 1 hour, perfect for busy families. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite at many dinner tables in America!
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Potatoes Used | 2 pounds |
| Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.5 ounces |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Calories per Serving | 264 |
Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin Potatoes
Learning the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes can make me a better cook. Scalloped potatoes don’t have cheese. Au gratin potatoes, on the other hand, have lots of cheese like Gruyère or Cheddar. This makes them creamy and loved by many.
Scalloped potatoes use thick slices of potatoes. They get creamy from a sauce made of flour, butter, milk, and broth. Au gratin potatoes have thin slices. They get crispy from cheese and breadcrumbs baked at high heat.
Here’s a quick look at some essential comparisons:
| Feature | Scalloped Potatoes | Au Gratin Potatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | No cheese | Significant amount of cheese |
| Top Layer | No breadcrumbs | Often topped with breadcrumbs |
| Cooking Temperature | 350°F | 400°F |
| Baking Time | Approx. 90 minutes | Approx. 90 minutes |
| Best Pairings | Lean proteins like fish or grilled ham | Vegetables like broccoli and green beans |
Scalloped potatoes are creamy, while au gratin has a crispy crust. Both are great for dinner, each adding something special to the meal.
Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Making cheesy scalloped potatoes is fun. You need the right stuff to make it yummy. I’ll tell you what you need and what’s nice to add.
Essential Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, hand shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
- Diced ham or crispy bacon for delightful texture and taste in cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham
- Minced garlic for an extra boost of flavor
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to present aromatic notes
- A variety of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for complex flavor profiles
Using the right amounts makes your dish better. It lets the flavors mix well. This way, you’ll make a dish everyone will love.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Choosing the right potatoes is key for the best scalloped potatoes. I like starchy potatoes for their creamy texture. They make the dish unforgettable.
Why Russet Potatoes Are Preferred
Russet potatoes are top picks for creamy scalloped potatoes. They have lots of starch, making them creamy and not mushy. This is why they’re used in many classic recipes.
Alternative Potato Options
Yukon Gold potatoes are great if russet potatoes are not available. They taste buttery and are creamy. They keep the dish rich and firm, just like russet potatoes.
| Potato Type | Starch Content | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russet | High | Earthy | Fluffy and Creamy |
| Yukon Gold | Medium to High | Buttery | Creamy and Firm |
| Red Skinned | Low | Sweet | Waxy and Soft |
How to Slice Your Potatoes Evenly
Slicing potatoes evenly is key for a great scalloped potatoes recipe. Even slices cook the same, so your dish won’t have uneven textures. A mandoline is the best tool for quick, even ¼-inch slices.
Without a mandoline, a sharp knife works well. It takes a bit more effort, but you can get even slices. Try for 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thickness for the best taste and look.
Here’s a quick overview of the slicing methods:
- Mandoline Slicer: Fast and safe way to get even slices.
- Sharp Knife: A bit slower, but effective with careful handling.
Steps to Make the Creamy Sauce
Making the creamy sauce for cheesy scalloped potatoes is easy and important. I start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan. I do this over medium heat.
After the butter melts, I whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. I let it cook for about one minute. This step gets rid of the flour’s raw taste and makes a thick base.
Then, I add 2.5 cups of milk slowly, stirring all the time. This is key to avoid lumps in the sauce. As I stir, the sauce thickens in about 2-3 minutes.
Once it’s thick enough, I remove the saucepan from the heat. The last step is adding 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I stir until the cheese melts, making the sauce creamy and rich.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Making a delicious cheesy potato bake needs careful planning. I’ll show you how to prep and what ingredients to use. This will help you make a comforting dish.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
Scalloped potatoes take about 25 minutes to prepare. Then, bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll cover it for 40 minutes and then bake uncovered for 30 minutes to get a golden top.
Exact Ingredient Measurements
Here are the exact ingredients you’ll need for a tasty cheesy potato bake:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 6 medium (about 5 lbs) |
| Yellow onion | 1 large |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Cream cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded white cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) | To taste (use 2 tablespoons garlic powder) |
This recipe makes 8 to 10 servings. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Enjoy it as a side dish at your holiday meals!
Layering Your Scalloped Potatoes
Creating delightful layers of potatoes is key. It makes the cheesy scalloped potatoes creamy and flavorful. I start by greasing my baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
I place a thin layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom. This layer is the base of my dish. Then, I add a sprinkle of finely chopped onions for flavor and aroma.
Next, I pour a generous amount of creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes. This coats each slice. I keep adding layers of potatoes, onions, and sauce until I use all my ingredients.
For the final touch, I top it with a thick layer of cheese sauce. This makes the dish golden and bubbly. It also brings together all the delicious flavors.
Baking Instructions for Perfectly Tender Potatoes
To bake scalloped potatoes right, you need to pay close attention. I start by heating my oven to 400°F. This helps the potatoes bake evenly.
For the first 60-75 minutes, I cover the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the potatoes moist. Then, I take off the foil for the last 15 minutes. This step makes the top crispy.
If you want it even crisper, try broiling it until it’s golden brown. This adds a nice touch to the dish.
Tips for Achieving a Crispy Top
Here are some tips for a crispy top:
- Use a mix of cheeses for better flavor and melting.
- Broil the dish in the final minutes for a golden finish.
- Keep potato slices thin, no more than 1/8 inch, for even cooking.
- Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up.
By following these steps, my scalloped potatoes are tender and have a crispy top. Everyone loves them!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Delicious scalloped potatoes are great with many foods. They go well with turkey, ham, or prime rib. This makes them perfect for special events.
They’re also great for family dinners or holidays. Serve them with a salad or steamed veggies. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Try adding herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor. This makes the dish even more special. Everyone will want more!
