Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re searching for the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table practically swoon with happiness, look no further than Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food. These potatoes are a heavenly combination of thinly sliced, tender spuds blanketed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that bubbles up golden and irresistible in the oven. Every bite is pure coziness, perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just craving classic comfort, these cheesy scalloped potatoes deliver nostalgia and delight with every serving.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food is that it’s crafted from easy-to-find, everyday ingredients—each bringing its unique magic to the party. The potatoes melt into creaminess while the sharp cheddar gives a bold cheesy kick, and a touch of fresh herbs on top makes everything pop.

• Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 lbs, thinly sliced): These become tender and buttery as they bake, creating soft layers that soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the base of the roux, adding richness without overwhelming the flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce for that classic, creamy texture.
• Whole milk (2 cups): The first layer of liquid in the sauce, bringing luscious body and silkiness.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luxurious mouthfeel and helps the sauce stay creamy after baking.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses gentle warmth and savory depth to the dish.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every ingredient and harmonizing the flavors.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
• Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a lovely color and a hint of smokiness to balance the richness.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The heart of the dish, giving that gooey, tangy cheesy pull.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Sprinkled on top, it crisps as it bakes, adding a savory bite and golden color.
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): The perfect fresh, herby finish that brightens every serving.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s fully up to temperature before you slide in your casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this helps guarantee your potatoes will release effortlessly and golden edges will form without sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. This forms a classic roux that takes just a minute or two to turn bubbling and lightly golden—no raw flour taste here! Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, letting the mixture turn beautifully smooth, then add your minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer and stir for a few minutes until the sauce thickens ever so slightly. Now, remove from the heat and stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar, letting it melt into silky perfection.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each piece to create an even foundation. Pour half of your glorious cheese sauce over the top, spreading it into every corner. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the sauce, ensuring each slice gets a generous coating.

Step 4: Add More Cheese for a Melty Top

Take the remaining ½ cup cheddar and the grated Parmesan and scatter them across the top. This cheesy shield turns golden and crisp in the oven, sealing in all that creamy goodness below.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Tent your dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 40 minutes—this traps in moisture and lets the potatoes steam to tenderness. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake another 20–25 minutes until gloriously bubbly and golden on top. A quick poke with a fork should show soft, creamy potato layers ready to eat!

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

After baking, it’s tempting to dig right in, but patience pays off. Let the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food rest for about 10 minutes so the sauce can set slightly, making serving neat squares a breeze. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chives or parsley over the top just before you plate it up.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped chives or parsley adds a burst of color and a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food. You can even add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of paprika for more visual appeal and a pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food are wonderfully versatile and pair well with roasted chicken, glazed ham, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetarian main like lentil loaf. They also balance out a fresh green salad or sautéed greens for added color and nutrition on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties. You can also use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes for a brunch spread, or layer the potatoes with roasted vegetables for a festive, colorful variation. However you present it, the cozy appeal never fades!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and enjoy the flavors as they meld and deepen overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food for longer storage. Cool the baked dish completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (usually 20 to 30 minutes). For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of milk and heat until bubbly. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs to brighten things back up!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, Gruyère, fontina, or even a bit of smoked gouda can add more depth and richness to Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or what you have on hand.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

If using Yukon Gold potatoes, their thin skins can be left on for extra texture and a bit of color in the layers. Russet potatoes have thicker skins, so those are best peeled; but ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or try cornstarch. Either way, you’ll achieve a lovely, creamy sauce for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food a day in advance and refrigerate covered. When ready to bake, simply add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chill from the fridge.

What’s the best way to get evenly thin potato slices?

A mandoline slicer is your best friend for this job! It helps create consistent, thin slices so the potatoes cook evenly, giving you those perfect, luscious layers. A sharp knife works too—just take your time for even results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering your loved ones around a bubbling casserole of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food. Whether you’re making it for a special event or a cozy night in, these potatoes promise to win hearts and invite smiles every time. Give it a try, and add a little extra delicious comfort to your week!

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