This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Bake is a warm and comforting side dish. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are mixed with creamy cheese sauce for a dreamy flavor!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I could eat this as a meal on its own! 😄 Pair it with your favorite protein, and you’ve got a winner dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this dish because they are starchy, which makes them creamy when baked. If you prefer a waxier potato, try Yukon Golds instead, but they may not get as creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. You can substitute with mild cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Gouda if you want to mix it up.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich sauce. You can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version, just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but use about half a teaspoon instead of fresh cloves.
Nutmeg: While optional, nutmeg adds warmth to the dish. If you don’t have it, skip it or try a pinch of paprika for a different flavor boost.
How Can I Make a Perfect Cheese Sauce?
The key to a creamy cheese sauce is building a good roux first. Start by melting the butter and then cooking the minced garlic for a minute. This step brings out the flavor.
- After adding flour to the butter, cook it for 2 minutes. This will eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Stir constantly so there are no lumps, and keep cooking until it thickens and bubbles.
- Finally, remove it from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted for a smooth sauce.
Remember, patience is key here! If the sauce seems too thick, you can always add a splash more milk to loosen it up. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of baking time. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for resting before serving. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes total. Perfect for a comforting side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar casserole dish) with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a roux—a smooth mixture that helps thicken the sauce.
3. Create the Creamy Base:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Season your cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce:
Now it’s time to layer! Start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly to cover them. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce for a total of two delicious layers.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Sprinkle the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake it in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly and set. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before diving in. Enjoy your warm and cheesy scalloped potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes work well for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery flavor. Just remember that waxy potatoes won’t yield as creamy a result.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that it may not be as rich, but the dish will still taste delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for a day. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option!
