Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, then you’ve come to the right place! Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a family favorite in my home. There’s something about the creamy, garlicky sauce enveloping tender potato slices that just makes everything feel right in the world. This dish pairs wonderfully with any roast or can stand alone as comfort food during those cozy weeknights.

Whether it’s a busy evening or a family gathering, these scalloped potatoes never fail to bring smiles to faces. The best part? They’re simple enough to whip up, yet special enough to impress your guests. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can have this comforting dish ready to bake.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness of these scalloped potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cheeses and garlic creates a rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully for our Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen!

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 cup full-fat milk ((250 ml))
• 1 cup double cream / heavy cream ((250 ml))
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 30 g butter ((2 tbsp))
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese ((100 g))
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• a pinch of nutmeg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

• Add Some Veggies: Incorporate thinly sliced zucchini or spinach between layers for extra nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
• Cheese Swap: Try using different types of cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh or dried thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and taste.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 Fahrenheit). This ensures that your potatoes will bake evenly and become perfectly golden!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your potatoes and give them a good wash. This step is crucial because clean potatoes will cook better and provide the best texture in our dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Throw in the flour and mix quickly until combined. Adding flour helps thicken our sauce, creating that luscious creamy texture we all love.

Step 4: Whisk in Milk

Add the milk gradually while whisking well to avoid lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly—this is where it all starts coming together!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Garlic

Stir in both cheddar and parmesan cheeses along with double cream. Then mince those garlic cloves and add them too! These ingredients are what make our sauce rich and flavorful.

Step 6: Season It Up

Mix in dijon mustard along with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The mustard adds an unexpected zing that really elevates this dish!

Step 7: Layering the Potatoes

Slice the potatoes thinly, then arrange one layer in a greased baking dish, ensuring each slice overlaps slightly. This layering technique helps every potato get coated in that amazing sauce.

Step 8: Build Your Layers

Spread about a quarter of your cheesy sauce over this first layer of potatoes. Repeat with more potato layers followed by additional sauce until everything is used up.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil before placing it into the oven. Bake for an hour; this allows the potatoes to soften beautifully while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes and raise the temperature to 220 degrees Celsius (410 Fahrenheit). This step gives us that beautiful golden crust on top—so irresistible!

Step 11: Serve Hot!

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving hot! Enjoy every cheesy bite of these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with friends or family!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Making the perfect Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is all about a few simple techniques. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish comes out delicious every time!

• Use a Mandoline for Slicing: Slicing your potatoes uniformly with a mandoline ensures even cooking, which means every bite will be perfectly tender and creamy.

• Let the Cheese Melt Gradually: Adding the cheese gradually to the sauce allows it to melt smoothly without clumping, giving you that rich, gooey texture we all love in scalloped potatoes.

• Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven helps your dish cook evenly and gives you that perfect golden crust on top. Don’t skip this step!

• Cover with Foil Initially: Covering the baking dish with foil traps steam, helping the potatoes cook through before browning. Removing it later allows for that beautiful crust to form on top.

• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Serving Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes can be as delightful as making them! This dish is not only comforting but also versatile enough to complement various meals. Here are some ideas on how to present this mouthwatering side dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Chives: Chopped chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
• Paprika Dusting: A light dusting of paprika not only adds visual appeal but also brings a hint of smokiness that enhances the overall taste profile.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides a lovely contrast in texture and brings vibrant colors to your plate.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy grilled chicken seasoned simply allows the richness of the scalloped potatoes to shine, creating a balanced meal.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add freshness and crunch, making them an ideal companion for this creamy side.
• Crispy Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent potatoes.

Enjoy serving these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes at your next gathering or family dinner—they’re sure to impress everyone at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how well they adapt to meal prep! You can prepare this dish ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Just follow these simple storage tips to keep your potatoes delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, make sure the dish is cooled completely.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for added protection.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Place the scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can remove the foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispy top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Can I make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes without cream?

Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with a combination of milk and a little extra flour to thicken the sauce.

How long do Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes take to bake?

They take about one hour when covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered at a higher temperature for that golden finish.

What type of cheese works best in Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles!

Can I add vegetables to Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Absolutely! Sliced onions, spinach, or even broccoli can be added between layers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes as much as I do! This comforting side dish is perfect for any occasion and brings warmth and joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m confident you’ll love every cheesy bite. Happy cooking!