Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce create a classic side that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 cups potatoes (about 3 pounds peeled and sliced very thin)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandolin or sharp knife.
- Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the flour and cook for 2 more minutes to form a roux base.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the milk, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium and cook until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon thyme and the grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Step 7: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, then pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Step 8: Add the remaining potatoes in a second layer, season again, and pour the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with the ½ tablespoon of fresh thyme.
- Step 9: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 11: Take the dish out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Tips & Variations
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Add cooked bacon or ham between layers for a smoky twist.
- Mix in Gruyère or mozzarella cheese for different flavors.
- Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
Storage
Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
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 a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding extra time if starting from cold.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Slice the potatoes thinly but evenly, avoid overbaking, and ensure the sauce is thick enough to support the layers without excess liquid.
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Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Classic Scalloped Potatoes made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce infused with thyme and garlic. This comforting side dish features layers of tender potatoes covered in a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for holiday dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 8 cups potatoes (about 3 pounds peeled and sliced very thin)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
Garnish
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice Potatoes: Wash, dry, and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes very thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) for even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux for thickening.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the chicken broth continuously. Then add the milk, increasing heat to medium while stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Cheese and Thyme: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon thyme and the grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Place half of the potato slices in an even layer in the prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Second Layer: Add the remaining potato slices in a second layer. Season with salt and pepper again and pour the remaining cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon fresh thyme over the top layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, letting the top brown slightly and the sauce thicken further.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme. Let the scalloped potatoes sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to set the layers and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Using a mandolin ensures the potato slices are evenly thin, which promotes consistent cooking.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps it to thicken and makes serving easier.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor, but you can omit or substitute with rosemary if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Comfort Food, Side Dish, Holiday Recipes
