If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite, let me introduce you to the Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special holiday feast, this recipe is effortlessly satisfying and comes together with simple pantry staples you likely already have. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe shine, you only need a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, building layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and ensuring the potatoes come out tender, flavorful, and golden on top.
- Russet potatoes: The ideal choice for their starchy texture, helping the sauce cling beautifully while the potatoes soften perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a rich, tangy depth and melts into a luscious blanket of cheesy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates a decadent, velvety sauce; swap with milk for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra silkiness to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the overall savory punch and adds a lovely golden crust when baked.
- Onion and garlic: Infuse the sauce with aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Butter and flour: Form the rich roux that thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Salt, black pepper, paprika: Season the dish perfectly, with paprika adding a gentle warmth and color if you like.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast and brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s nice and bubbly. This melting point is crucial because it forms the base for your creamy sauce. Toss in the finely chopped onion, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Next, add minced garlic and cook just for 30 seconds—enough to awaken its flavor without burning. Now stir in the flour, cooking for about a minute to whip up a smooth roux that will thicken our cream perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (or milk) to ensure the sauce stays smooth and lump-free. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika if using, folding these ingredients in to deepen the flavor and add that signature tanginess. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
With your sauce ready, it’s time to build layers of love. Arrange half the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in your baking dish, creating the first mattress of tender goodness. Pour half the creamy sauce over the potatoes, spreading it to cover every inch. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over this layer. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, finished with the sauce and cheese on top to create a rich, cheesy crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes. This initial baking softens the potatoes so they become tender and soak up that irresistible creaminess. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step is crucial to let the top turn golden and bubbly, creating that classic scalloped potato crust that’s oh-so-tempting.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the rich and cheesy flavors. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika can also elevate the look and taste, turning each serving into an inviting masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with just about any protein. Think juicy roast chicken, honey-glazed ham, or grilled steak for a hearty meal. For veggies, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad bring balance, cutting through the richness with fresh, bright crunch and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an adorable personal touch. Or, layer the potatoes and sauce in a clear glass casserole dish so everyone can admire the cheesy layers before digging in. A sprinkle of extra cheese broiled to bubbly perfection just before serving never fails to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the sauce from drying out. Leftover potatoes make a fantastic next-day side or even a comforting breakfast when paired with eggs.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through evenly and gets that bubbly golden top.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil at first to keep moisture, then remove the foil near the end to refresh that delicious cheesy crust. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven method ensures the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are traditional and delicious, feel free to mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a bit of Monterey Jack for a different twist. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or a mix of milk and light sour cream to reduce calories and fat content while still keeping the sauce creamy and delicious.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the sauce better, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture you want from scalloped potatoes.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining when you want to get a head start.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, whisk in a little extra cream or milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken before layering over the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, comforting charm of the Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Each creamy, cheesy layer feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients done exceptionally well. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and endlessly rewarding. So grab those potatoes, turn on the oven, and get ready to make a dish that will surely become a family favorite!
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Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of sour cream. Enhanced with sautéed onions and garlic, this comforting casserole is perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals. The dish is baked until bubbling and golden, delivering rich flavors and a luscious, tender texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, cooking the mixture for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Cream: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (or milk), stirring until smooth and combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently, then mix in sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in a prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the prepared sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly. Then sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute milk for the heavy cream in the sauce.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly for best texture and even cooking.
- Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh flavor contrast but is optional.
- Adjust seasoning including salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
