Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Table of Contents
Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good potato dish, right? This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
I still remember my gran making this every Christmas! It's basically happiness on a plate.
Cheesy Potato Goodness: A Brief Intro
This recipe is a take on the classic potato gratin. Okay, right then, let's get this sorted! It's got that amazing creamy texture with an extra cheesy kick.
It's a simple dish with a rich history. It’s medium difficulty, but totally doable. This recipe makes 6-8 servings. Perfect for sharing or leftovers!
The Benefits of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Besides tasting amazing, potatoes have potassium. This recipe elevates the humble potato to something special. This homemade scalloped potatoes are perfect for a Sunday dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Let's Get Slicing and Dicing!
Before we dive in, let's talk about slicing those potatoes. I once tried to rush this part and ended up with some slices thicker than others.
It resulted in some potatoes being undercooked while others were mushy. Not ideal! A mandoline is a lifesaver for even slices.
It makes all the difference.
The Heart of the Classic Scalloped Potatoes
The cheese sauce is where the magic happens. Don't skip the roux! That's the butter and flour mixture. It thickens the sauce and prevents a watery mess.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Okay, right then, let's get this sorted! Before we dive into this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe , let's gather our troops.
Honestly, having everything prepped makes cooking so much smoother. I once started a potato bake and realized halfway through I was out of milk! Total disaster.
Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cheese, and Everything Nice
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) . They should be firm, with smooth skin. Avoid any with sprouts or soft spots.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium . Look for one that's firm and has dry skin.
- Garlic: 2 cloves . Fresh is always best!
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . I always use unsalted so I can control the salt level.
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . This helps thicken our dreamy sauce.
- Whole milk: 3 cups (720ml) . Full fat is key for that creamy texture.
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better!
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds a lovely warmth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded, plus more for topping. Go for a good quality cheddar.
- Gruyère cheese: 1/2 cup (57g) , shredded, plus more for topping. Optional, but trust me, it's worth it!
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. For garnish.
For a proper Sunday dinner worthy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe, good ingredients matter. I’ve made this with cheaper cheddar before, and honestly? You can taste the difference.
Shell out a little more for the good stuff, innit?
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters!
We’re aiming for peak search engine optimization worthy of a proper Sunday dinner and a perfectly balanced cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. Here are some flavor enhancers:
- Essential spices: Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are a must. Don't skimp!
- Flavor enhancers: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can add extra depth.
- Substitutions: No nutmeg? A little bit of allspice will do the trick. Out of Gruyère? Try Swiss or Fontina cheese.
Equipment Needed: The Essentials
Considering we're aiming for a creamy scalloped potatoes result that would rival any potato gratin recipe , here's what you'll need:
- Mandoline: (Optional) Makes slicing a breeze. But a sharp knife works too.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking.
- Large saucepan: For making the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To prevent lumps in the sauce.
You know, you don't need fancy equipment to nail this easy scalloped potatoes recipe . I've used a bread knife to slice the potatoes more times than I care to admit! A whisk is a must though, unless you want lumpy gravy, and nobody wants that.
Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Your New Comfort Food Obsession
Honestly, who doesn’t love potatoes? And when they're baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce? Forget about it! This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is pure comfort food heaven.
It's like your grandma's potato gratin, but dialled up to eleven with all that beautiful cheese. Okay, right then, let's get this sorted!
Prep Like a Pro: The "Mise en Place" Magic
First, you gotta get organised. It’s called mise en place, fancy French for having everything ready to go. Peel (or don't! I sometimes leave the skins on for a rustic vibe) and thinly slice 2 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes.
A mandoline makes life so much easier here. Thinly slice one medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Trust me, getting this done upfront saves a ton of time and stress.
The step-by-step to Cheesy Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Make the roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes .
- Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1/2 cup of Gruyère.
- Layer a third of the potatoes, half the onion and garlic, and a third of the sauce in a greased 9x13 inch dish. Repeat twice.
- Top with extra cheese (optional). Bake covered for 30 minutes .
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20- 30 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This is crucial !
Pro Tips for Next Level Scalloped Potatoes
Want to seriously up your cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe game? Here's the inside scoop.
- Don't skip the roux! Seriously. It's what makes the sauce creamy and not watery.
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices. Uneven slices mean some will be crunchy and some will be mushy - not ideal!
- You can prep this easy scalloped potatoes recipe ahead of time! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time.
This recipe is a surefire crowd pleaser, perfect alongside a roast chicken or grilled steak. Considering we're aiming for peak search engine optimization worthy of a proper Sunday dinner, here's a list of , drawing inspiration from the recipe Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Okay, right then, let's get this sorted! Before you dive into this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe , a few little things can make all the difference. Think of these as insider secrets!
How to Serve Up a Treat: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, the cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is pretty amazing on its own. But! For plating, try sprinkling a little extra cheese on top after baking.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a lovely pop of colour. For side dishes, something simple like roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad works wonders.
Or, go full comfort food with some honey glazed carrots. Considering we're aiming for peak search engine optimization, adding a beverage pairing is also worth it.
A crisp dry white wine or even a light beer cuts through the richness perfectly.
Storage for Later: Making the Magic Last
Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes ? Lucky you! They're great the next day. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The creamy scalloped potatoes can be reheated in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or microwave it in smaller portions.
Honestly, I don't recommend freezing. The texture can change, and nobody wants grainy spuds!
Mixing It Up: Fun Variations
Fancy a twist on this easy scalloped potatoes recipe ? You bet! For a vegetarian option, chuck in some roasted cauliflower or broccoli florets along with the potatoes.
For a heartier, scalloped potatoes with ham recipe version, layer in cooked ham or bacon. I mean who doesn't love bacon? If you are looking for dietary adaptations you can try the following: dairy-free Adaptations: Use plant based milk and dairy-free cheese.
Seasonal Swaps: Add roasted root vegetables in the fall.
Nutrition Bits: Fueling Your Body
Simplified: This homemade scalloped potatoes recipe is packed with carbs from the potatoes, protein from the cheese and dairy. Important: Estimated Nutritional Values: Calories: 450, Protein: 18g, Fat: 25g, Carbohydrates: 40g.
Benefit: A good source of energy and comfort.
Right, so you've got all the insider info! Go forth, bake up some best scalloped potatoes , and enjoy this classic scalloped potatoes dish.
It's proper comfort food side dishes , and you deserve it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe from being watery?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! First, don't skip the roux that butter and flour mixture is crucial for thickening the sauce. Secondly, make sure your sauce simmers gently to allow it to thicken properly before layering. Also, using starchy potatoes like Russets can help absorb excess moisture during baking.
Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time, ensuring the potatoes are cooked through. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What's the best way to thinly slice the potatoes for cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Consistent potato slices are key for even cooking. For best results, use a mandoline slicer. If you don't have one, a very sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick like crisps, but slightly thicker.
What cheese is best for cheesy scalloped potatoes and can I substitute?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyère are a winning combination, providing a lovely flavour and melt. However, feel free to experiment! Swiss, Fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan can add depth. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for that perfect, gooey cheesy scalloped potatoes experience.
How do I store leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
A wee splash of milk can help revive the creamy sauce when reheating, too.
Can I add meat to my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe?
You bet! Adding cooked ham or bacon to the layers will elevate this dish to a hearty meal. Diced ham works particularly well, adding a salty and savoury element that complements the creamy potatoes and cheese. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |