Hey there, friend! Let me tell you, this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe has a special place in my heart (and my belly!). It’s one of those dishes that turns any meal into a warm, cozy gathering. I mean, who can resist layers of thinly sliced potatoes, smothered in rich, creamy goodness and topped with melty cheese? Yum! The moment you pull it out of the oven and that cheesy aroma fills the kitchen, it feels like a hug in a dish. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is a major bonus when you’ve got a packed schedule or guests dropping by. I’ve brought this to family dinners, potlucks, and even just cozy nights in, and it never fails to impress. You can practically hear the forks clinking and the happy chatter around the table as everyone digs in. So, let’s make some cheesy scalloped potatoes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (the thinner, the better for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses for added flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (this is where the creaminess comes from, trust me)
1/2 cup milk (to balance out the richness)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
1 teaspoon salt (you need a little seasoning to bring out all the flavors)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just the right amount for some gentle warmth)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (it adds a lovely hint of smokiness)
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish and a little extra richness)

How to Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important so your cheesy goodness bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab your baking dish and grease it with butter. I like to use a generous amount to ensure nothing sticks, and it adds a bit more flavor, too!

Layering the Potatoes and Cheese

Now, let’s get to the fun part—layering! Start by placing half of the thinly sliced potatoes in your prepared dish, making sure to spread them out evenly. You want every bite to have that creamy goodness! Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Repeat this process again with the remaining potatoes and cheese. Trust me, the layers are what make this dish so mouthwatering!

Mixing the Cream Mixture

In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the cream mixture. Combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. I like to mix it all together until it’s well blended, so no one gets a surprise bite of garlic or seasoning!

Baking Instructions

Once your layers are set and your cream mixture is ready, it’s time to pour half of the cream mixture over the layered potatoes and cheese. Then, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. This is when the magic happens! After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!

Cooling and Serving

When it’s done baking, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the layers to set a bit, making it easier to scoop out those perfect portions without it falling apart. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that rich, creamy flavor to shine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Texture: Each bite is filled with rich, velvety creaminess that just melts in your mouth. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Bring it to potlucks or family dinners, and watch everyone go back for seconds (or thirds!).
Vegetarian-Friendly: Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great side dish for vegetarians, while still being hearty enough to satisfy everyone.
Customizable: You can easily mix in different cheeses or even add some veggies to make it your own. The options are endless!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cheesy scalloped potatoes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to avoid any kitchen mishaps and achieve that dreamy, creamy result.

Use a Mandoline: For the best results, I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer to get those potatoes evenly thin. This ensures they cook perfectly and evenly throughout. No one wants a crunchy bite in the middle of all that creamy goodness!
Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Seriously, you can never have too much cheese! If you love a cheesy dish, feel free to add more cheese between the layers or on top before putting it back in the oven. It makes for a delightful, gooey topping!
Let It Cool: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the dish rest for about 10 minutes after baking is crucial. It helps everything set nicely, so you get those beautiful, clean slices when you serve it!
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to taste your cream mixture before pouring it over the layers. If you love garlic, add a little more! If you like a kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Customize it to your palate!
Cover Tightly: Make sure to cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil at the beginning. This keeps the moisture in and helps the potatoes cook through without drying out.
Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try different cheese combinations—like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a delicious twist. Each cheese brings a unique flavor!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes that will wow your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity in the kitchen:

Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try using Gruyère for a nutty flavor, mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or even a blend of blue cheese for a bold twist.
Veggie Add-Ins: For a pop of color and nutrition, layer in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even broccoli florets. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit perfectly between those creamy layers!
Herb Infusion: Add a fresh herb touch by mixing in some chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the cream mixture. It elevates the flavor and adds a lovely aroma as it bakes.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños between the layers for a spicy kick that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
Loaded Baked Potato Style: For a heartier dish, toss in some cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage between the layers. Top with sour cream and green onions when serving for a loaded baked potato experience!

These variations can easily elevate your cheesy scalloped potatoes and make them uniquely yours. So go ahead, have fun with it, and enjoy the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes once you’ve gobbled up your fill (if there are any leftovers, that is!). First, let them cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them a bit soggy when you store them.

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep things fresh and you can easily reheat them right in the oven or microwave. Just a heads up, these scalloped potatoes will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more than you can eat, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy those cheesy leftovers, you have a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you want to get that top nice and crispy again, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep it from drying out), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking in between to make sure it heats evenly. Just remember, the texture might not be quite as perfect as when it was freshly baked, but it’ll still be delicious!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your cheesy scalloped potatoes for days to come! Happy eating!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe! Just so you know, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so your results might vary a little depending on what you use. But here’s the breakdown for one serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 10g

So, while these cheesy scalloped potatoes are definitely a treat, they also bring some satisfying nutrients to the table. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish, and remember, it’s all about balance in your meals!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of cheese for this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese can add some exciting flavors. Just remember, the more cheese, the better!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter. Just melt about 1/4 cup of butter and mix it with 3/4 cup of milk to mimic the richness of heavy cream. It’ll still taste delicious!

Can I prepare the cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden and bubbly, and a fork easily pierces through the layers. If you’re unsure, a quick check in the center will tell you if they’re tender. Just keep an eye on that delicious cheesy crust!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes! Just make sure they’re cooled completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. Just remember to reheat them gently to maintain that creamy texture.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: 5 Cozy Comfort Food Steps

Author: Louna
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and cheesy dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
Sprinkle half of the cheese over the potatoes.
In a bowl, mix cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Pour half of the cream mixture over the layers.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
Feel free to mix different types of cheese.
This dish pairs well with roasted meats.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe

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