Irresistible Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Add Topping: For a golden, crispy crust, sprinkle additional cheese or breadcrumbs over the top layer.
- 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
