Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyère) over the top layer to create a cheesy crust.
- 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.
- 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