Irresistibly Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

My grandmother’s secret garlic scalloped potatoes always spark conversation at dinner parties.

Creamy layers melt together with sharp cheese and aromatic herbs.

Potatoes sliced paper-thin create delicate textures that comfort and delight.

Fragrant garlic whispers through each luxurious bite, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical on your plate.

Kitchen skills matter less than passion when crafting this classic side dish.

You cannot resist the rich, bubbling goodness waiting to be savored.

Why Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Stand Out

• This cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes recipe offers pure deliciousness with minimal effort.
• The simple step-by-step instructions make this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels, transforming basic ingredients into a gourmet side dish.
• Creamy, cheesy potatoes with a golden crispy top guarantee smiles around the dinner table, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• From prep to plate, this recipe takes under 90 minutes, with most time spent baking, allowing you to multitask while a delectable meal comes together effortlessly.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables forming the main structure of the dish. Choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes for best texture and even cooking.

• Butter, Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create rich, smooth sauce and add deep flavor. Select full-fat dairy for best results. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing robust flavor. Fresh garlic cloves deliver more intense taste than pre-minced options.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth sauce. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.
• Paprika: Optional spice adding subtle warmth and color to the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright color and light herbal note. Chopped just before serving maintains maximum freshness.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Nonstick Spray or Extra Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds extra richness to the dish.

Simple Guide to Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes

Carefully slice potatoes into thin, uniform pieces using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for slices about the thickness of a coin.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Melt butter
• Add minced garlic
• Cook until garlic becomes fragrant and golden

Step 4: Craft Silky Sauce

Whisk flour into the buttery garlic mixture. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Cheese Magic

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.

Step 6: Layer Potato Goodness

• First layer of potato slices
• Half the cheese sauce
• Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce

Ensure every potato slice gets coated with cheesy deliciousness

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until top turns golden and potatoes become tender.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow potato bake to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Top Tips for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline for perfectly thin, even potato slices that cook consistently and look professionally prepared.
• Prevent Cheese Sauce Clumping: Whisk continuously when adding flour and milk to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats potatoes evenly.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Saute minced garlic briefly before adding to the sauce to release its rich, aromatic oils and enhance overall taste.
• Achieve Golden Crispy Top: Uncover the dish in the last baking stage to allow potatoes to develop a beautiful golden-brown, crispy surface.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyere or fontina to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Right

• Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled potatoes in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy potatoes, offering a refreshing contrast with its bright, acidic notes.
• Tender, herb-seasoned roasted chicken provides a perfect protein partner that balances the creamy potato texture and enhances the overall meal.
• A light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and adds fresh, zesty elements to balance the heavy, cheesy dish.
• An oaked Chardonnay mirrors the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the potato's richness and garlic undertones.

New Twists on Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy, plant-based version that’s perfect for lactose-intolerant guests.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the same rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Herb-Infused Option: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cheese sauce for an aromatic herb-packed variation that elevates the classic scalloped potato recipe.

Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce or sprinkle them between potato layers to add a zesty, spicy dimension to the traditional dish.

FAQs on Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes. Just ensure they are starchy and slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to use a mandoline for slicing potatoes?

While a mandoline helps achieve uniform, thin slices, you can also use a sharp knife. The key is to slice potatoes consistently about 1/8-inch thick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

• How can I make this recipe more healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce cheese quantity, or substitute some cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also add vegetables like spinach or leeks for extra nutrition.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes promise a creamy, comforting journey through layers of sliced potatoes and melted cheese. Rich flavors and golden-brown edges invite you to savor this classic side dish that elevates any meal with its indulgent charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice potatoes into ultra-thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, aiming for approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a saucepan, then gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and softened.
4. Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking constantly to develop a smooth, golden roux without burning.
5. Slowly stream milk into the roux, continuously stirring to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky, thickening sauce.
6. Remove sauce from heat and fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional paprika until achieving a glossy, consistent texture.
7. Layer half the potato slices across the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage, then generously pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices and cheese sauce, guaranteeing each potato piece is thoroughly coated.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to promote even cooking and potato tenderness.
10. Uncover the potatoes and continue baking until the surface transforms into a golden, crispy, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 20-25 minutes.
11. Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly by using a mandoline for consistent cooking and professional presentation.
• Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by removing the pan from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently until smooth.
• Customize the dish by swapping regular milk with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or aged cheddar for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg