Get ready for cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, a comfort food classic! Layers of tender potatoes are baked with creamy cheese and a sprinkle of garlic that makes every bite irresistible.
These potatoes are like a warm hug on your plate! I love serving them with a side salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold is my favorite for its creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets work well too. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal because it lets you control the salt in the dish. If you need a dairy-free alternative, consider using olive oil or a plant-based butter instead.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor while Gruyère gives extra creamy goodness. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cheese options that melt well, or skip cheese altogether and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a delicious pop of flavor. However, you can use garlic powder (1 teaspoon) in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use a non-dairy cream if needed, like coconut cream for a different taste.
How Can I Ensure a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a roux: Melt butter, then whisk in flour for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add milk and cream: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. It’s crucial to keep stirring while the mixture heats.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese: This keeps it from clumping. Stir until everything is melted and smooth.
If your sauce doesn’t thicken enough, just keep it on low heat while stirring until it reaches the right consistency. Trust me, taking these steps ensures a perfect, velvety cheese sauce every time!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets), peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 1 hour and 10 minutes for baking, plus an additional 10 minutes of resting time. You’ll be enjoying creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes in just over 1.5 hours! Perfect for a delicious side dish that will impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of butter or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works great for this so your slices are all the same thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it brown—that would change the flavor!
4. Create the Roux:
Next, stir in the flour and keep whisking for about 2-3 minutes. This is your roux, which will thicken your sauce later. It should look smooth and bubbly.
5. Add the Dairy:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, making sure to get rid of any lumps. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Cheese Time!
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth. Now, add in salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg, and stir to combine everything nicely.
7. Layering the Potatoes:
Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of your creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
8. Finishing Layers:
Now, place the remaining potato slices on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce. Make sure it’s all well distributed so every bit of potato gets some cheesy goodness!
9. Baking:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 45 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes should be tender.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken up more. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy a delicious side dish!
This recipe results in creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with a savory garlic flavor and a nicely browned top—just perfect alongside any meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a must for flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
What Can I Serve with These Scalloped Potatoes?
These scalloped potatoes make a perfect side for meats like roasted chicken or beef. For a complete meal, pair them with a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness!
