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