Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the perfect dish to bring rich flavor and comfort to your table. The creamy, cheesy sauce hugs every potato slice, creating a smooth and indulgent texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also quick and simple to make. The creamy cheese sauce is easy to prepare, and the combination of russet potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese delivers a flavor that is both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re making this as a side dish or as the main course, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Plus, with its creamy texture and gooey cheese, it’s a comfort food that appeals to everyone.

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and perfect for thickening the sauce, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness to the creamy sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes and cheese.
• Whole Milk: The base for the creamy sauce, helping to achieve a smooth texture.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds the signature cheesy flavor and melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, rounding out the dish’s flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for variations or have dietary preferences, here are a few ingredient swaps:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: If you prefer a creamier, buttery texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative to russet potatoes.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: If you like a stronger cheese flavor, consider using sharp cheddar instead of mild cheddar for a bolder taste.
• Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, swap the whole milk with almond milk.
• Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the sliced potatoes and onions in the prepared dish, layering them alternately.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and salt, stirring constantly for about one minute.
4. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, stirring continuously, and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions, ensuring that the sauce covers all the layers.
7. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. For a crispy top, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the top turns golden brown.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are evenly layered in the casserole dish to ensure they cook evenly.
• Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform potato slices, ensuring that they cook at the same rate.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, top the dish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before broiling.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish the day before and bake it the next day. Just refrigerate the unbaked casserole and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, including:

• Roast Chicken: The creamy richness of the potatoes complements the savory flavor of roasted chicken.
• Grilled Steak: A classic pairing, with the richness of the potatoes balancing the flavor of a grilled steak.
• Ham: Add cubes of ham to the dish for a complete meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that creamy texture, or warm it up in the microwave for a quicker option.

A Comforting Classic with Endless Possibilities

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re an iconic comfort food that’s always a hit. With its simple yet indulgent combination of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly melted cheddar, this dish is a crowd favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or serving it as part of a holiday spread, cheesy scalloped potatoes will quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection.

Conclusion

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a must-try recipe that will elevate any meal with their rich, comforting flavors. The creamy cheese sauce paired with tender potatoes creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it as a side dish for a holiday meal or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget, you can easily customize it by adding ham or adjusting the type of cheese to suit your preferences. Serve it with a variety of main courses, and you’ll have a dish that never fails to impress.

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