Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

$- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup milk - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Let’s talk about these ingredients. You start with russet potatoes because they are starchy. This makes them soft and creamy when cooked. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a strong flavor that works well with the cream. Heavy cream and milk create a rich, smooth sauce. Butter adds a lovely taste and helps brown the top. Flour thickens the sauce, giving it a nice texture. Garlic and onion powders add flavor without overpowering the dish. Salt and pepper balance the taste, while paprika can give a bit of color and warmth. If you don’t have cheddar cheese, try Gruyere or Monterey Jack. They melt well and taste nice too. For milk, almond milk or oat milk can work as non-dairy options. If you want a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Each serving of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes has about 350 calories. It also has good fats and carbs from the potatoes. This dish is vegetarian but not gluten-free due to the flour. Keep this in mind if you have dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. I like to use butter for a rich flavor. Next, let’s make the roux. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This is your roux. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of milk while whisking. This helps to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Once thick, stir in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. If you want, add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of spice. Remove the saucepan from heat. Now, let’s layer the potatoes. Start by placing half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Pour half of your cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese. This layering is important. It helps the flavors to mix well as they cook. Repeat this step with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture. Be sure to spread the ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is cheesy and creamy. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and helps the potatoes cook through. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown. Check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. If it slides in easily, you are good to go! Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the layers set. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. Enjoy your cheesy scalloped potatoes! To make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes perfectly, follow these tips. First, cut the potatoes evenly. This helps them cook well. Thinner slices cook faster and absorb more flavor. Next, avoid skipping the roux. This step gives your dish a creamy texture. If you don’t whisk enough, you may end up with lumps. Finally, let the dish rest after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier. To enhance the flavor of your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, try adding herbs or spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a nice touch. If you like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Layering is also key for texture. Alternate between cheese and potatoes, and try different cheeses. Gruyere or mozzarella can add depth. You could even mix in some sautéed onions or mushrooms for added flavor. Pair your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with simple sides. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad work well. You can also serve them alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. For presentation, use individual ramekins or a large serving dish. Drizzle a little extra cream over the top just before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can add meats to your cheesy scalloped potatoes. Ham or crispy bacon gives a nice flavor. Just chop the meat and layer it with the potatoes. The saltiness of the meat complements the creamy sauce well. Using different cheeses can also change the taste. Try gouda or fontina for a new twist. Mixing cheeses can create a deeper flavor profile. You can even use a spicy cheese for extra kick! If you want a vegan option, use plant-based milk and cheese. Coconut milk works great for creaminess. You can also try cashew cream for a rich texture. For those watching carbs, swap potatoes for cauliflower. Cauliflower gives the same comfort but with fewer carbs. Layer it just like you would with potatoes. Incorporating seasonal vegetables can add a fun twist. Use spinach, kale, or roasted squash for added flavor. These veggies not only taste good but also boost nutrition. Consider pairing flavors with the season. In fall, add nutmeg or sage for warmth. In spring, fresh herbs like chives can brighten the dish. This keeps your cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, let the dish cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the texture as good. If you want to freeze them, use a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion. They can last up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes last for about three to five days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it's time to toss them. Keeping the potatoes stored correctly helps you enjoy them longer. What's the difference between gratin and scalloped potatoes? Gratin and scalloped potatoes are close cousins. Gratin often has cheese on top, while scalloped potatoes do not. Both use cream and layers of potatoes. Can Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in advance. Just assemble the dish and cover it. Store it in the fridge for one day. Bake it when you are ready to serve. How do you prevent the potatoes from browning before cooking? To keep potatoes from browning, you can soak them in cold water. This stops oxidation. You can also sprinkle lemon juice on the sliced potatoes for extra protection. Why are my scalloped potatoes watery? If your scalloped potatoes are watery, it may be from too much liquid. Ensure you measure cream and milk correctly. Also, try using drier potatoes or less liquid next time. What to do if the top isn't browning? If the top of your dish isn’t browning, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). You can also broil it for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Can I use frozen potatoes? You can use frozen potatoes, but they may not cook as evenly. Thaw them first and pat dry. This helps with texture and prevents excess moisture. What's the best type of cheese to use for flavor? Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice for flavor. It melts well and adds a rich taste. You can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère for added depth. For more details, check the Full Recipe. In this post, we explored how to make delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, substitutions, and the nutritional aspects of this dish. We also covered step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect layers and baking times. Tips for success and variations add creative flair to your dish. These potatoes can be a hearty side or a main meal. With proper storage and reheating tips, leftovers can remain tasty. Enjoy crafting your own version of this classic recipe, and impress your family and friends!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe! Perfectly layered with rich cheddar cheese and creamy goodness, these potatoes are sure to impress at any gathering. Easy to follow, this recipe takes just over an hour to create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, and remove from heat.

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

Pour half of the cream mixture over the cheese and potatoes.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once done, let the dish cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the scalloped potatoes in individual dishes or transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra cream before serving and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.