Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a delightful dish that never fails to impress at any gathering. This creamy, cheesy side dish has roots in classic French cuisine, where the combination of potatoes and cheese has been celebrated for centuries. The rich, velvety texture of the scalloped potatoes, combined with the aromatic essence of garlic, creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
What I love most about Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is how they effortlessly elevate any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, smothered in a luscious cheese sauce, provide a comforting warmth that makes everyone feel at home. Plus, the convenience of preparing this dish ahead of time means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, they will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Preparing the Potatoes
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your scalloped potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust on top.
- Next, peel the russet potatoes. I find that using a sharp peeler makes this task much easier. Once peeled, slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife will do the trick as well.
- As you slice the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning. This step is crucial if you’re not assembling the dish right away.
Making the Creamy Garlic Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir to combine.
- Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme to the cream mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside. This creamy garlic mixture will be the heart of our scalloped potatoes.
Layering the Potatoes
- Now it’s time to assemble! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. I like to use a paper towel to spread the butter evenly.
- Drain the sliced potatoes from the cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is important to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Begin layering the potatoes in the baking dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, slightly overlapping them. I usually do about 1/3 of the potatoes for the first layer.
- Pour a third of the creamy garlic mixture over the first layer of potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the cream layer. I like to use a generous amount because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
- Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, cream, and cheese. Make sure to reserve some cheese for the top layer.
- For the final layer, place the last of the potatoes on top, pour the remaining cream mixture over them, and finish with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra flavor kick.
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap steam and ensures that the potatoes cook through without burning the top.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and absorb all that creamy goodness.
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Be cautious of the steam! Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center. It should slide in easily without resistance.
Serving the Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting
Conclusion:
In summary, these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their side dish game. The creamy, cheesy layers combined with the rich garlic flavor create a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with just about any main course, from succulent roasted chicken to a juicy steak. Plus, the beautiful golden crust on top is not only visually appealing but also adds that delightful crunch that everyone loves. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some sautéed spinach or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. You could also experiment with different types of cheese—Gruyère or smoked cheddar could take this dish to a whole new level! And don’t forget, these scalloped potatoes can be made ahead of time and simply baked before serving, making them a fantastic option for gatherings or holiday meals. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you experience the creamy goodness and the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, I’m sure you’ll want to share it with friends and family. If you do make these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or even a photo of your creation. Happy cooking! Print
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: Draft
- Yield: https://iili.io/3DCQLej.jpg
Description
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Potatoes
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your scalloped potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust on top.
- While the oven is heating, peel the russet potatoes. I find that using a sharp peeler makes this task much easier. Once peeled, slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonders for this, but a sharp knife will do just fine if you take your time.
- As you slice the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning. This also helps to remove some of the excess starch, which can make the dish too gummy.
- Once all the potatoes are sliced, drain them and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial to ensure that your scalloped potatoes don’t become watery.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. I love the rich flavor that butter adds to the dish, and it’s the perfect base for our sauce.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful here; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of your dish.
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir well to combine. The mixture should start to heat up, but don’t let it boil.
- Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg to the cream mixture. These spices will enhance the flavor of the potatoes and cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Layering the Potatoes
- Now that we have our creamy cheese sauce ready, it’s time to layer the potatoes. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Start by placing a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Make sure to overlap them slightly for even cooking. I usually aim for about a third of the potatoes for the first layer.
- Once the first layer is in place, pour a third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly. I like to use a ladle for this, as it helps to distribute the sauce without disturbing the potatoes too much.
- Repeat this process two more times, layering the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. The final layer should be cheese sauce on top. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
Baking the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to trap steam and cook the potatoes through without burning the top. I usually make sure the foil is not touching the cheese sauce to avoid sticking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This initial baking time allows the potatoes to become tender.
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Be cautious of the steam that will escape! At this point, you’ll want to bake the potatoes uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy.
Ingredients
Conclusion:
In summary, these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their side dish game. The creamy, cheesy layers combined with the rich garlic flavor create a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with just about any main course, from succulent roasted chicken to a juicy steak. Plus, they’re a fantastic option for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy family dinner.
If you want to mix things up, consider adding some sautéed spinach or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. You could also experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère or smoked cheddar can add a delightful twist. And for those who prefer a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half with a lower-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this comforting dish together! Happy cooking!
Instructions
Indulge in creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes! Perfectly layered with cheese and garlic for a delicious side dish everyone will love!
Notes
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: cheesy-garlic-scalloped-potatoes
- Cook Time: Lily
