Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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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