Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes layered in a luscious, garlicky cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite is a symphony of cheesy goodness and savory warmth. Whether you’re serving it up as a side dish for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Get ready for cheesy, gooey heaven on a plate!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy and Comforting: The creamy sauce and melted cheese make these potatoes incredibly comforting—perfect for any cozy dinner or holiday feast.

Packed with Flavor: The garlic adds a savory depth to the dish, while the cheesy layers create that melt-in-your-mouth magic we all love.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving this as a side at a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, these scalloped potatoes will make any meal feel special.

Easy to Make: While they may look fancy, this dish is super straightforward. All you need is some simple ingredients, a little patience while it bakes, and you’ll have a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant.

Versatile: These potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about anything—grilled meats, roast chicken, or even just a fresh green salad.

Ingredients in Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

For the Potatoes:

• Russet potatoes (the heart of the dish—thinly sliced for that perfect, tender texture)
• Fresh garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
• Butter (for richness and flavor)
• Flour (to help thicken the sauce)
• Heavy cream (for that luxurious creamy texture)
• Milk (to balance the richness)
• Salt and pepper (to season and enhance the flavors)
• Cheddar cheese (the cheese that makes everything better)
• Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor and a bit of a crispy topping)

Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes:

Start by washing and peeling your potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes as evenly as possible, about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect, tender texture.

2. Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, forming a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Layer the Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the process, layering the remaining potatoes and topping with the remaining sauce. Give everything a gentle press down to make sure the potatoes are submerged in the sauce.

4. Bake the Potatoes:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests, giving you that perfect, cheesy, creamy bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350-400 calories (depends on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes baking time)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes are a great side dish for just about anything! Here are a few ideas for what to serve them with:

Roast Chicken: The creamy richness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of roast chicken. Add a side of veggies, and you’ve got a comforting meal.

Grilled Steaks or Pork Chops: The bold flavors of grilled meat are balanced out by the smooth, cheesy goodness of the potatoes. A match made in heaven.

Salad: Serve alongside a crisp, fresh green salad for a light contrast to the rich potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair with some roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it with foil, and when you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before popping it into the oven.

Use a Mandoline: To get those perfect, even slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend! It ensures all the potatoes cook evenly and gives the dish that restaurant-quality look.

Switch Up the Cheese: While cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combo, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda would all add their own unique flavors to the dish.

Leftovers: These potatoes make fantastic leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: While russet potatoes work best because they break down nicely and absorb the creamy sauce, you could also use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble everything the day before, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

Q3: Can I make this dish with low-fat milk or cream?
A3: You can substitute with lower-fat versions of milk or cream, but keep in mind that the texture and richness may be slightly different. Full-fat cream is what makes the sauce so luscious!

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: The best way to reheat these scalloped potatoes is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in.

Q6: Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! You can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even some spinach to make it extra special.

Q7: How can I make these potatoes spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or mix in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A8: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Grating fresh cheese is always the best option for smooth, melty sauce.

Q9: Can I make these potatoes gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just make sure you use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. With layers of tender potatoes, a creamy garlic cheese sauce, and that irresistible golden top, they’re the perfect side for just about any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something extra special, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—one bite and you’ll be hooked!

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