There’s no wrong way to do potatoes… but these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes might just be your new favorite!
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If I had to choose one thing to eat every day for the rest of my life, it might just be potatoes. I mean, they’re so versatile, it would be hard to get tired of them! You’ve got fries, mashed, loaded, twice baked… but truth be told, these cheesy scalloped potatoes have them all beat.
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are often thought of as a holiday dish – you might find them amongst the spread of food at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations – but I’ve always loved them as a side to a standard dinner. My parents would serve them with steak and shrimp on nights we were really lucky, and the scalloped shape paired with the surf and turf entrees would provide an East Coast dining experience that made me feel sooo luxurious when I was younger.
In reality, there’s nothing too fancy about this recipe at all! It’s really simple to recreate; not to mention, absolutely decadent. Cheesy scalloped potatoes have a crisp and crunchy outer layer, gooey, cheesy, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes that aren’t too soggy or stiff. Plus, they’re packed with flavor from the fresh garlic and cheddar cheese.
Are Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Healthy?
Potatoes are a great source of fiber. They also provide key antioxidants like vitamin C, are calorie dense and can grow easily in different climates, which is why they were famously considered “life-saving” during times of famine. Potatoes are also packed with potassium, an electrolyte that supports heart and muscle function. This particular recipe is loaded up with cheese, milk, and butter, so moderation is key to enjoying this dish in a healthy manner.
How To Achieve “Scalloped” Potatoes
The type of potato you use is always an important part of a potato-based recipe. For this one, you’re going to want to use a starchy potato, like a Russet or Yukon Gold. This is going to help you create a thick, rich, velvety texture with your sauce, and it’s also going to support your scalloped design.
To achieve the signature “scalloped” look of this dish, you’ll want to skin your potatoes, slice them into thin rounds (thin is better so that they cook through, but make sure they can hold their shape), and layer them so that they overlap one another in the baking dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat
Prepare oven and baking dish.
Layer
Arrange potatoes and pour sauce and cheese.
Bake
Cook covered, then uncovered until tender.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
To make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time, follow the entire recipe and cooking process up until baking. Bake your potatoes for about an hour, then take them out and let them cool. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for a day or two, then rebake them for 30-40 more minutes once you’re ready to enjoy!
You can store leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them for about 30-40 minutes at the same temperature.
The secret to making this recipe a success is avoiding burning or curdling your dish. You’ll want to avoid using high heat, and use the suggested whole milk, too.
You can swap out cheddar cheese for your preferred cheese, as long as you’re okay with changing up the flavor. Cheddar provides an intense, traditionally “cheesy” flavor to the dish, while another cheese may be more mild or have a different taste to it. At the end of the day, it’s your dish, so make it how you’d like!
Serving Suggestions
The best way to enjoy cheesy scalloped potatoes, in my opinion, is with meat and veggies, like Baked Chicken Breast and Parmesan Roasted Broccoli. For summer, I also think these cheesy scalloped potatoes go great with seafood, like this Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Grilled Lobster Tail combo!
Let me know how your cheesy scalloped potatoes turn out!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, then set aside.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper, and cook until just heated.
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Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes, and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
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Repeat with the remaining potatoes, milk mixture, and cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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