Irresistible Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that combines tender sliced potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and melted cheese. This easy recipe delivers a golden, bubbly dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something truly irresistible.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is recommended)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Optional: Smoked paprika for added depth
• Optional: Ham or bacon for a savory touch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Step 4: Add the heavy cream to the onion and garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you desire.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer then reduce the heat and allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: In a greased baking dish, start layering the sliced potatoes. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the first layer, then sprinkle some shredded cheese.
7. Step 7: Repeat this process until all potatoes are layered, finishing with cheese on top.
8. Step 8: For an extra golden crust, sprinkle additional cheese or breadcrumbs over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure consistent cooking.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for varied flavor and texture.
• Add cooked ham or crispy bacon between layers for a hearty twist.
• Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the cream sauce for a fragrant boost.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika on top before baking for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and avoid drying out. Microwaving is convenient but may result in uneven heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake fresh before serving, adding some extra time if baking from cold.

What type of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which becomes tender and absorbs the creamy sauce well. Avoid waxy potatoes as they may hold their shape too much and won’t soften sufficiently.

Irresistible Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 64 reviews

This Irresistible Easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Thinly sliced russet potatoes are layered with a rich garlic and onion-infused cream sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Optional additions like fresh herbs or smoked paprika add depth, and ham or bacon can provide a savory twist.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Smoked paprika for added depth
• Ham or bacon for a savory touch

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the scalloped potatoes.
2. Sauté Onions: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, enhancing their sweetness.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
4. Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs according to your preference.
5. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Layer Potatoes: Grease a baking dish and add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Pour some of the creamy sauce over this layer and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Repeat Layers: Repeat layering potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
8. Add Topping: For a golden, crispy crust, sprinkle additional cheese or breadcrumbs over the top layer.
9. Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin potato slices to ensure they cook evenly.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the dish will be less rich.
• Adding ham or bacon provides a smoky, savory flavor and makes the dish more filling.
• Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the creamy flavor and aroma beautifully.
• Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunchy texture contrast to the creamy layers.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato side dish, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food