Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re craving something deeply satisfying, rich, and absolutely nostalgic, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine paper-thin potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until bubbling and golden, with a crispy edge that calls your name the moment it emerges from the oven. This dish is pure coziness in every forkful, making it the perfect side for your holiday feasts or just a Tuesday night at home. Let’s dive into why this family classic stands out as the very best comfort food.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you’ll create layers of flavor and texture that taste like a hug in a casserole dish. Each ingredient plays a role—whether it’s adding richness, gooeyness, or that irresistible golden color on top!

  • Potatoes: Choose russet or Yukon gold for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape while baking.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds a savory richness and is essential for making a smooth roux (the base of your sauce).
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious, velvety blanket for the potatoes.
  • Whole Milk: Gives the sauce body—warm it first to prevent lumps for a perfectly silky result.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings indulgent richness and a decadent mouthfeel to the finished dish.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold flavor and that classic cheesy pull everyone loves.
  • Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds nutty undertones that elevate the overall taste.
  • Garlic: Just a hint infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
  • Salt: Boosts all the flavors and balances the richness of the dairy.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite that cuts through the creaminess.
  • Paprika: Gives gentle smokiness and a beautiful blush to the topping.
  • Ground Nutmeg (Optional): Adds an unmistakable warmth (just a touch makes a big difference).
  • Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens up each serving—perfect for that finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Pan

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll want to slice your potatoes thinly (about 1/8-inch) so they cook evenly and soak up all that luscious cheese sauce. A mandoline works wonders, but a sharp knife and a little patience will do the trick.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s foamy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute—this brings out a fragrant flavor without letting it burn. Sprinkle in your flour to create a roux, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes before slowly whisking in the warmed milk and heavy cream. This step is key for a lump-free sauce! Stir constantly until everything thickens into a velvety base, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar and 1/2 cup of Gruyère cheese, letting them melt completely. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and if you’re feeling fancy, just a pinch of nutmeg. The result is a smooth, glossy cheese sauce that already smells irresistible!

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of your sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping each piece. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top, gently spreading it to cover every potato. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, creating two cozy layers ready for their grand finale.

Step 5: Finish With More Cheese

Generously sprinkle the rest of your sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese over the top layer. This extra cheese ensures a mouthwatering, bubbly crust when the dish bakes, transforming your simple ingredients into Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. When your kitchen smells like a dream, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is deeply golden, and the sauce is bubbling merrily around the edges. The hardest part? Waiting just 10 minutes after baking, so your potatoes set up perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley scattered over the hot casserole really makes the flavors pop, and the green adds a fresh contrast against all that golden cheese. You can also sprinkle a dash of extra paprika or even a few chives for a touch of color and brightness!

Side Dishes

While Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food can absolutely steal the show on their own, they’re equally wonderful as a side for roasted meats like ham, beef, or chicken. For vegetarian pairings, try a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to lighten the plate. They turn any meal into a special occasion!

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve individual portions in mini ramekins for gourmet flair at dinner parties! You can also arrange potato slices in a spiral or fan for a stunning visual effect. Don’t hesitate to add other layers like caramelized onions, cooked bacon, or even a handful of sautéed mushrooms for delicious variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store them tightly covered to retain their moisture and creamy texture. Just be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before popping it into the fridge!

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, these scalloped potatoes freeze well. Wrap cooled portions tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, since dairy sauces can separate if rushed or heated unevenly.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly—about 20 minutes, depending on portion size. You can also microwave individual servings, but expect the top to lose some of its signature crispiness. A quick run under the broiler brings back a little golden color!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar or Gruyère?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of blue cheese for a bold twist. Just make sure to combine cheeses with different flavors for the best depth and meltiness.

Why do I have to warm the milk and cream first?

Warming the milk and cream helps prevent lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly. Adding cold dairy can cause the butter and flour mixture to seize up, so gentle heat is your friend here for silky, professional results.

Can I assemble Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes holiday or entertaining meal planning a breeze!

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but scalloped potatoes typically have a creamy sauce, while potatoes au gratin usually feature more cheese sprinkled between layers and on top. This recipe offers the best of both worlds: a creamy sauce and plenty of cheese!

Can I add meat to make it a one-dish meal?

Certainly! Layer in cooked bacon, ham, or even rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish. These additions bake up beautifully with the potatoes and cheese, turning Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food into a satisfying main course.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and pure comfort to the table, you simply must give Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food a try. With crispy edges, gooey cheese, and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, this recipe will win hearts at every gathering. Don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you expect—so grab your fork and dig in!

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, whisk in flour, then slowly stir in warm milk and cream until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheeses, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
  3. Layer Potatoes: Layer half of the potato slices in the dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add layers of caramelized onions or cooked bacon.
  • These scalloped potatoes pair perfectly with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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