Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Comforting, Classic Side Dish
There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to bring comfort to your dinner table. Layered with tender potato slices, onions, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you crave a hearty side dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite cheese or herbs for a personal touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: The creamy cheese sauce combined with tender potatoes and onions creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a comforting side dish for a weeknight meal, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are always a hit.
- Customizable: Swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Potatoes and Onions
Begin by layering the peeled and sliced potatoes in the prepared casserole dish. Stagger the layers of potato slices and onion rings to ensure even distribution. This layering technique helps infuse the dish with the sweet and savory flavor of the onions as it bakes.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for about one minute to create a smooth roux. This step thickens the cheese sauce and adds richness to the dish.
Gradually add the room-temperature milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese all at once. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds.
5. Pour the Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions in the casserole dish, making sure to cover the layers thoroughly. This ensures every bite is rich, cheesy, and delicious.
6. Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The long baking time allows the potatoes to become soft and absorb all the delicious flavors of the cheese sauce.
7. Optional Broil for Crisp Topping
For an extra golden and crispy topping, remove the foil and switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil for a few minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Season and Serve
Once the scalloped potatoes are baked to perfection, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Tips for Success
- Consistent Slices: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer can help you achieve perfect, thin slices.
- Room Temperature Milk: Using room-temperature milk helps to create a smooth sauce without lumps, so be sure to take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 85-90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at a holiday meal or simply enjoying them as part of a cozy dinner at home, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. The golden-brown, cheesy crust and tender potatoes underneath make this dish both indulgent and satisfying.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender slices of russet potatoes and onions, smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Baked to perfection with a crispy, golden topping, it’s the perfect addition to any family dinner or holiday gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and delicious, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange the peeled and sliced potatoes and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, staggering layers of potato slices and onion rings.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for one minute. Gradually add the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese all at once and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
Pour the Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions in the casserole dish.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Optional Broil for Crisp Topping: For a golden, crispy topping, remove the foil and switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil for a few minutes until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Season and Serve: Once baked, season the scalloped potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 85-90 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350