Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 3 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated, for sauce)
• 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or Gruyère, grated, for topping)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 cup green onions (optional, sliced for garnish)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using.
6. Step 6: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
7. Step 7: Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of extra grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Step 9: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or Russets for a firmer bite.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the layers for extra flavor.
• Swap sharp cheddar with Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of whole milk.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just extend the baking time slightly to ensure it heats thoroughly.

What type of potato is best for scalloped potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and create a creamy texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets if you want to prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.4 from 97 reviews

Classic Scalloped Potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce with a golden, bubbly topping. This comforting casserole is perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or holiday meals, offering a creamy texture balanced by a hint of cayenne pepper and optionally garnished with fresh green onions.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• salt, to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping and Garnish

• 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or Gruyère), grated
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of the casserole.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking during baking.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt to taste and optionally add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
4. Assemble the Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly for even cooking. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce to create two layers.
5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyère) over the top layer to create a cheesy crust.
6. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving to add a fresh touch and subtle flavor.

Notes

• Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best creamy texture.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some or all of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking; a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices.
• Adding cayenne pepper is optional but adds a subtle kick to balance the richness.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato casserole, baked potatoes, comfort food, side dish, cheddar cheese sauce