Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the smell of creamy, cheesy goodness fills the kitchen. Nothing beats that warm, hearty feeling you get when you dig into a dish of these delicious, layered potatoes. I remember the first time I made them for my family. I was a little nervous, but the moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with joy—it was pure magic! This dish is not just about the flavors; it’s about the love and warmth that come with it. Trust me, once you try making these cheesy layers of heaven, you’ll be hooked! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this fantastic recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients List
To whip up these scrumptious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, plus extra for greasing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Make sure to slice those potatoes as evenly as possible for the best results—they’ll cook more uniformly and give you that delightful, creamy texture we all crave!
How to Prepare Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and grease it generously with some butter—this helps create that lovely crust and keeps everything from sticking. You want to make sure you cover the bottom and sides well; trust me, it makes a difference!
Layering the Ingredients
Now, here comes the fun part: layering! Start by placing half of those beautifully thin-sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit; just make sure they’re spread out evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over those potatoes—oh, the melty goodness to come! Then, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, and season it up with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until well combined, then pour half of this creamy mixture over your first layer of potatoes and cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture, ensuring you distribute everything evenly for that perfect bite every time!
Cooking Time
Once your layers are all set, it’s time for the oven! Bake those Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for about 1 hour. You’ll know they’re ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool for a few minutes before diving in—this allows the layers to settle a bit, making serving easier. But oh, the waiting is tough when you can smell that cheesy goodness wafting through the air!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First, try using a mix of cheeses for added flavor—Gruyère or Monterey Jack can really elevate the dish. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning; a pinch of nutmeg can add a lovely warmth. If you want a little crunch on top, broil for the last few minutes of baking—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! And remember, these potatoes store well in the fridge for up to three days, so you can enjoy them as leftovers, too!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so treat these numbers as estimates. Typically, a serving of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes contains around 350 calories, 10g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy these delicious layers while keeping balance in mind!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in some Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little blue cheese for a unique twist. The more cheese, the better!
Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What can I serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? These potatoes make a perfect side dish for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian meal. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, too!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to let them cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy layers of cheesy goodness that are simply irresistible
- Easy to prepare with straightforward steps—perfect for any home cook
- A comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers
- Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings for a unique twist every time
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep those delicious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them! Just make sure they cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven is your best friend—just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which should take about 20 minutes. Enjoy that cheesy goodness again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this recipe for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy dish made with thinly sliced potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and milk to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potato and cheese layer.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
Notes
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Potatoes, Cheese, Side Dish