If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This rich and creamy potato casserole combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a luscious cheese sauce that bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. It’s the perfect side to cozy dinners or a satisfying main when you want something hearty, easy, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe uses simple ingredients, each one plays a star role in creating that perfect balance of creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and comforting warmth. Gathering these essentials means you’re just steps away from a classic crowd-pleaser.
- Potatoes: Four large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced, are the beautiful base that soaks up all that cheesy goodness.
- Butter: A quarter cup of butter melts into the sauce, providing richness and helping create a silky texture.
- All-purpose flour: Just a quarter cup to help thicken the sauce, so it clings perfectly to each potato slice.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance every layer of flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon to introduce just the right mild bite and warmth.
- Milk: Two cups of milk make the sauce luxuriously creamy, turning simple ingredients into something magical.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: One and a half cups of sharp Cheddar create that unmistakable, melty, golden top and infuse the dish with bold flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready when your casserole goes in. This steady temperature helps cook the potatoes evenly and develop that gorgeous, bubbling cheese crust.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly—this ensures your sauce stays silky and lump-free. Keep cooking and stirring until it thickens just right to coat your potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Sauce
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a layer with half of your thinly sliced potatoes. Pour half of the creamy milk mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar on top. Repeat the layering one more time, giving you those perfect pockets of cheesy, gooey deliciousness.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover your dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 1 hour. This step gently cooks the potatoes through while the sauce thickens even more. The foil cover prevents the cheese on top from browning too soon.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered and Finish
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until you see the potatoes tender through and the cheese bubbling with a golden, crispy finish. This final bake brings the signature texture and color that makes this recipe the ultimate comfort food.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving can add a fresh pop of color and brightness that beautifully complements the rich, cheesy potatoes. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top adds just a touch of spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted or grilled meats like chicken, ham, or steak. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or green beans to balance the richness with some light, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also top a serving with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor that takes this classic dish to new heights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months by placing it in an airtight container or wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too, but the oven helps restore that delightful crispy top layer.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, you can mix in Gruyère, Monterrey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different twist. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well and complement potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to ensure a tender and creamy texture. Leaving skins on can add an earthy flavor and texture, but it might affect the smoothness of the final dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it the next day. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They have the right starch content to create that creamy, tender texture without turning mushy.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, adjusting as needed to thicken the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish that feels like it was made with love, and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe delivers that in spades. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to fill your kitchen with delicious smells and your heart with satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your own favorites too!
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy scalloped potatoes is a classic comfort food featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until tender and golden. This rich and satisfying dish serves as a perfect side or main dish for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Pour half of the prepared milk sauce over the potatoes and then sprinkle with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, milk sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool slightly before serving hot for ultimate comfort food enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or onions to the sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for milk for a richer sauce.
- Use Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheese profile.
- Make sure to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Allow dish to rest 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
