Description
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy mixture of heavy cream, milk, garlic, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly golden and rich, it makes a perfect accompaniment to any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature before you start assembling the dish.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking during baking and to add extra richness to the dish.
- First Potato Layer: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the greased dish to create the base layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of potatoes to add gooey, cheesy flavor.
- Mix Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
- Pour Cream Mixture: Pour half of the creamy mixture evenly over the potato and cheese layers, ensuring every slice is coated for creamy texture throughout.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining sliced potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture to build up the dish with multiple rich, cheesy layers.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to allow the potatoes to steam and cook evenly while baking for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest and cool for 10 minutes to set before serving, allowing the layers to firm up and making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use consistent thin slices to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite melting cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of milk when reheating to keep creamy.
- For a lighter version, reduced fat milk and cheese can be used.
