Description
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are warm, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good. They are comfort food at its best, with layers of soft potatoes and gooey cheese. This dish is simple to make and perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds, about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced into thin rings)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild smokiness)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated, for a crispy top layer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Peel the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Thinly slice the onion into rings for your cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, stirring for about 1 minute until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth to create the creamy cheese sauce for your scalloped potatoes.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, onions, and remaining cheese sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese for delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the cheesy scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can I use a different type of potato? Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes work great for a creamier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better in this cheesy potato bake.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve these homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- How do I prevent my sauce from curdling? Make sure to heat the milk gently and stir constantly to keep it smooth when making your creamy au gratin potatoes.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between layers for extra indulgence.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella to customize your potato bake with cheese.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Use Heavy Cream: For an ultra-rich version, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely aromatic touch to your cheesy potato casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: N/A