Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight for Any Occasion

When you think of comfort food, few dishes come to mind as quickly as cheesy scalloped potatoes. This classic recipe brings together tender slices of russet potatoes, rich cheese, and creamy sauce in a dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or simply craving a warm, cheesy indulgence, these cheesy scalloped potatoes will hit the spot. The combination of perfectly cooked potatoes and a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crisp, golden finish, is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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A Perfectly Cheesy Combination

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are beloved for their creamy texture, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. What makes this dish so irresistible is the combination of the tender potatoes and the luscious, velvety cheese sauce that coats every slice. The subtle flavor of the yellow onion adds just the right amount of depth, while the cheddar cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that ooey-gooey texture that defines the dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, cheesy scalloped potatoes are sure to make any meal feel like a celebration.

This recipe is all about creating layers of flavor and texture. The russet potatoes are sliced thinly, allowing them to cook evenly and absorb the creamy cheese sauce, resulting in perfectly tender and flavorful layers. The mild cheddar cheese brings a mild, creamy richness that’s perfectly balanced by the slightly sweet onions and savory seasoning. Once baked, the potatoes are tender and creamy, with a crisp golden topping that adds an irresistible crunch.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For this dish, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The key is to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Each ingredient plays a critical role in creating that perfectly smooth, creamy texture that’s characteristic of cheesy scalloped potatoes. The russet potatoes, known for their starchy texture, are ideal for absorbing the cheese sauce and becoming tender as they bake. The butter and flour are used to make a roux, which helps thicken the sauce, while the milk creates the creamy base. Mild cheddar cheese is the star ingredient, offering a creamy richness that melts beautifully into the sauce, while the onions add a subtle sweetness that complements the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these cheesy scalloped potatoes. It’s a fairly simple recipe, but the result is absolutely worth the effort. Follow these easy steps to make a deliciously cheesy side dish that will become a favorite in your household.

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking during baking. If you prefer a larger dish, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Layer the potatoes and onions
   Start by arranging the peeled and sliced russet potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish. Alternate the layers, placing a potato slice followed by a ring of onion. Stagger the layers to ensure even distribution and allow the flavors to meld as they cook. The goal is to create a balanced layer of potatoes and onions, with the potatoes acting as the base and the onions providing a sweet, savory complement.
3. Make the creamy cheese sauce
   In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir constantly with a whisk to make sure the flour doesn’t clump, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture begins to bubble. Next, slowly pour in the 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese
   Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens—the cheese transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety layer that will coat the potatoes perfectly.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes
   Once your cheese sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Make sure the sauce covers the potatoes completely, filling in any gaps. This will ensure that the potatoes are well-coated and will bake to a creamy perfection. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow the potatoes to cook evenly.
6. Bake the potatoes
   Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices, so be sure to check for doneness as you approach the 85-minute mark.
7. For a crisp topping, broil the dish
   After the potatoes have finished baking and are tender, remove the dish from the oven. If you prefer a crisp, golden topping, switch your oven to the broil setting. Place the dish back in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to prevent burning.
8. Season and serve
   Once the cheesy scalloped potatoes are baked and broiled to perfection, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cheesy scalloped potatoes turn out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Thinly slice the potatoes: The key to perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes is slicing the potatoes as evenly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices, ensuring even cooking. Thin slices also allow the cheese sauce to soak into the potatoes, making every bite creamy and delicious.
• Use room-temperature milk: For the smoothest cheese sauce, make sure your milk is at room temperature before adding it to the roux. Cold milk can cause the sauce to become lumpy, so allow it to sit out for a few minutes before use.
• Experiment with cheese: While mild cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses for different flavors. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses can add more depth and complexity to the dish.
• For a gluten-free version: If you need a gluten-free version of this dish, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The results will be just as creamy and delicious!

Variations and Substitutions

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Add garlic and herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the cheese sauce. These will elevate the dish with aromatic notes that complement the potatoes and cheese.
• Use different cheeses: As mentioned, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a combination of cheeses can add a unique twist to the classic dish. For a richer, creamier sauce, try adding some cream cheese or mascarpone to the cheese mixture.
• Include vegetables: For a heartier dish, you can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the layers of potatoes. These will not only enhance the flavor but also add color and texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, roast chicken, or beef tenderloin. They also make a great side for grilled or baked fish, especially those with a rich, flavorful profile. For a more casual meal, serve these potatoes alongside a fresh green salad and a simple grilled steak. No matter how you serve them, cheesy scalloped potatoes will add a comforting, indulgent element to any meal.

The Magic of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

There’s something undeniably satisfying about cheesy scalloped potatoes—the way the creamy sauce envelops each tender slice of potato, the richness of the cheese, and the crisp topping that adds just the right amount of texture. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special event or a cozy weeknight meal, these cheesy scalloped potatoes will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy, potato-filled delight!