Scalloped Potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works great for this task, ensuring uniform slices that cook evenly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and milk to the pan, and stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Let it heat up, but do not bring it to a boil—just warm it through.
4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes to coat them. Repeat this layering process until all the potatoes are used up, making sure to pour enough sauce between each layer to cover the potatoes. If desired, sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary between the layers for extra flavor.
5. Add the Cheese: Once all the potatoes are layered, pour the remaining cream mixture over the top. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. If you’re using a thicker variety of potato, like Russets, they may take a little longer to cook through.
7. Let it Rest: Once the scalloped potatoes are done, let them sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set. This will help the dish hold together when serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out portions of the creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes and serve them as a side dish to your favorite main course. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, steak, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: The key to perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes is to slice the potatoes evenly. Thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick) ensure that they cook uniformly and absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When layering the potatoes, try not to crowd them too much in the pan. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and make sure each slice gets coated in the creamy sauce.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest and creamiest texture, use full-fat heavy cream. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with milk, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
• Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to get creative with your scalloped potatoes. Add in caramelized onions, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives also enhance the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. This rich, creamy dish with perfectly tender potatoes and a golden, cheesy topping is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, alongside a weeknight dinner, or as a special treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

With this simple recipe, you can create a dish that’s just as delicious as it is easy to prepare. So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent and comforting, reach for these creamy scalloped potatoes—they’re the perfect side to any meal!