Oh my goodness, cheesy scalloped potatoes are one of my all-time favorite comfort foods! There’s just something magical about those layers of creamy goodness, perfectly baked to golden perfection. I remember my grandma making this dish for family gatherings, and the aroma would fill the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen like a magnet. The combination of tender potatoes and melty cheese is pure bliss, and it never fails to bring smiles to the table. Trust me, once you try this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too. You won’t want to miss out on this creamy delight!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. You’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (I love using Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this makes it super creamy and rich)
- 1 cup milk (feel free to use whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that delicious savory kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy here!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish and adding richness)
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect baked texture! While the oven warms up, grab your baking dish and grease it generously with butter. This helps the potatoes release easily and adds a bit of extra flavor, too. I like to use a 9×13-inch dish, but anything similar will do just fine!
Layering the Potatoes
Now, we’re diving into the fun part—layering! Start by placing half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the greased dish, making sure they’re evenly spread out. Next, sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Oh, it’s looking good already! Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and cheese, creating those delicious layers that will meld together beautifully during baking.
Mixing the Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix up the creamy goodness! Combine your heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This mixture is what brings the dish to life, so make sure it’s evenly mixed for the best flavor throughout. You’ll want to pour half of this creamy goodness over the layered potatoes and cheese before repeating the layering one last time!
Baking Instructions
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes—this allows the potatoes to cook through and become tender. After that, carefully remove the foil to let the top brown beautifully. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Trust me, you’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen at this point! Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and cheese creates an irresistible, velvety smooth texture that will have you coming back for seconds!
- Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish in the oven in under 20 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to relax.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any occasion, these cheesy scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with everything from roasted meats to a simple salad.
- Family Favorite: It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table, making it a go-to for gatherings and special dinners.
- Comfort Food Classic: The warm, cheesy goodness is the ultimate comfort food, bringing back delightful memories with every bite!
Tips for Success
For the best cheesy scalloped potatoes, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes—they’re creamy and hold their shape beautifully. Make sure to slice them thinly and evenly for consistent cooking. When baking, cover your dish with foil to trap steam initially; this helps cook the potatoes through. Remove the foil later to allow that glorious golden crust to form on top. Don’t skip the seasoning; a little extra salt and pepper can elevate the flavors significantly. If you want to get fancy, try adding some cooked bacon or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost!
Variations on Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up my cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe! Try swapping out the cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack and Gruyère for a unique twist. You can also add some sautéed onions or garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Want to sneak in some veggies? Layer in thin slices of zucchini or spinach between the potato layers for a pop of color and nutrition. For a kick, sprinkle in some jalapeños or diced green chilies. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy those creamy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quicker option—just be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is my go-to, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesy scalloped potatoes a day in advance! Just assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What can I serve with cheesy scalloped potatoes?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, baked chicken, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. It’s versatile enough to complement many main courses!
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Check for tenderness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and the cheese should be bubbly and golden on top. If they need more time, just pop them back in for a few minutes!
Can I freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: 4 Comforting Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy dish made with layered potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best results.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe
