This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a revelation in comfort food, marrying the indulgent creaminess of cheese with the earthy goodness of potatoes in a side dish that's perfect not just for the holidays, but any day of the year. Its perfectly balanced garlic cream sauce elevates the humble potato to a masterpiece of creamy, cheesy delight. Truly, a must-try for anyone looking to impress at their next dinner gathering or craving a cozy, satisfying meal.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
Prepare Ingredients:
- Cheese: Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheese.
- Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into approximately ⅛ inch (3 mm) slices.
Cook Garlic and Cream:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the cream, salt, and a dash of pepper to the saucepan. Warm the mixture until it almost reaches a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove it from heat.
Assemble the Dish:
- In a greased 9x13 baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices in an overlapping pattern (don’t worry about perfect placement).
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle half of both cheeses over the top.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, the remaining cream mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown (test doneness with a toothpick).
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips
- Using a mandoline slicer will help you quickly and uniformly slice the potatoes. Always use a protective glove to avoid accidents.
- Placing the baking dish on a baking sheet while in the oven can help catch any spills, especially if your dish is a bit shallow.
This dish is perfect as a holiday side but is also wonderful for any family dinner. Enjoy your homemade scalloped potatoes!
