There’s just something about comfort food that wraps you up in a big, warm hug, and my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes definitely do that! This dish is pure indulgence—layer upon layer of creamy, cheesy goodness that melds beautifully with tender potatoes. Trust me, when you pull that bubbling dish out of the oven, the golden crust is a sight to behold! It’s special to me because it’s a recipe that has been passed down through my family, often gracing our holiday tables and family gatherings. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. So, let’s get ready to dive into making a side dish that’s not just a hit at dinner but brings everyone together around the table!
Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
To whip up my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together to create that creamy, dreamy comfort food we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (I usually go for Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in some sharp cheddar for a flavor boost!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the magic happens; it adds that rich creaminess)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works great, but you can use whatever you have on hand)
- 1 onion, finely chopped (adds a lovely sweetness to the layers)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 3 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish and adding flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
These ingredients combine to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. You won’t be able to resist diving into a generous scoop!
How to Prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Now, let’s get our hands dirty and bring this dish to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cheesy heaven.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want those potatoes to bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, grab a baking dish and grease it generously with butter. This not only helps with sticking but adds an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, you want that buttery goodness to seep into your potatoes!
Layering the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by placing half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased dish. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit; they’ll cook down beautifully. Next, sprinkle half of the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over the potatoes. Then, add a layer of half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese. It’s like building a cheesy potato lasagna! Once you’ve got your layers all set, it’s time to pour that delicious mixture of heavy cream and milk over the top. This will help everything meld together in the oven.
Baking the Dish
Cover the dish with foil (make sure it’s not touching the cheese!) and pop it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through and become tender. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that gorgeous, crispy crust and can smell the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen. Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just layer and bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredibly creamy texture that melts in your mouth—total comfort food bliss!
- Deliciously cheesy flavor that everyone will rave about at the dinner table.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish, from roasted meats to veggie options.
- Great for make-ahead meals—just reheat and enjoy the next day!
Tips for Success
Getting my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes just right is all about a few simple tips! First, make sure to slice your potatoes evenly; this helps them cook at the same rate and ensures a perfect texture. If you want to mix it up, try using different cheeses! Gruyère or mozzarella can add a whole new dimension of flavor—just be careful not to use too much moisture. Also, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
For extra creaminess, you can substitute a bit of the milk with more heavy cream or even add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy kick. If you’re short on time, you can even prepare the layers ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
My Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are not just delicious; they also pack a punch in terms of nutrition! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, with 20 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 2 grams of sugar and 600 mg of sodium in there. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portions. So enjoy every cheesy bite while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Got questions about my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? No problem! Here are some common queries I often get:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just cover the dish tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit since it’ll be cold.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture!
How do I store leftovers? Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they should be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze them? Yes! Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
My Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of main dishes! They pair wonderfully with a juicy roast chicken or a tender beef brisket for a comforting family dinner. If you’re going meatless, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a delightful veggie feast. And don’t forget to add some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness! No matter what you choose, this dish is sure to elevate your meal and bring everyone together around the table.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped onion and garlic over the potatoes.
- Add half of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour heavy cream and milk over the layers.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes