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
