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Directions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and slice the potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes and slicing them into thin, uniform rounds—about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
- Soak the potatoes: To remove excess starch and prevent them from turning gray, soak the potato slices in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. After about 10 minutes, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a towel.
- Butter the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to create a roux. Cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The roux will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the liquids: Gradually pour in the milk and cream (if using), whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and ground mustard (if using). These seasonings help balance the richness of the sauce and add depth of flavor.
- Melt the cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. The sauce should be velvety and smooth at this point. If you want extra richness, add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce as well.
Step 3: Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange a layer of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Spoon a bit of the creamy cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Repeat this process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the top layer of cheese sauce with the grated Parmesan cheese for that golden, crispy top.
Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. The foil helps keep the potatoes moist while they cook.
- Uncover and bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Let the scalloped potatoes sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are commonly used in scalloped potatoes because of their starchy nature, which helps create a creamy texture. However, if you want a smoother, creamier result, try Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a naturally buttery flavor and a waxy texture that holds together well when baked.
2. Slice Evenly
For even cooking and a uniform texture, make sure the potato slices are all the same thickness—around 1/8-inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent slices quickly.
3. Don’t Skip the Soak
Soaking the potato slices in water before baking helps remove excess starch, which can make the potatoes too gummy. Soaking also helps keep them from discoloring while they sit.
4. Customize the Cheese
While sharp cheddar cheese is the go-to choice for scalloped potatoes, you can mix it up by adding other cheeses for extra flavor. Consider mixing in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even fontina for a more complex flavor profile. You can also top with extra cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
5. Add Herbs and Spices
While the base recipe is simple, you can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives. A pinch of nutmeg is also a classic addition to scalloped potatoes, providing warmth and a subtle depth of flavor.
6. Make It Ahead
Scalloped potatoes are great for meal prep or making ahead of time. You can assemble the dish a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bring the dish to room temperature before baking, or add a little extra time in the oven.
7. Freeze for Later
If you want to freeze scalloped potatoes, assemble them as directed (without baking), and then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 1 hour or until bubbling and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potato Recipe
1. Indulgent and Comforting
This recipe delivers everything you want from a classic scalloped potato dish—creamy, cheesy, rich, and utterly satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday dinner, Sunday roast, or just a weeknight meal, scalloped potatoes are versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes, from roast chicken and prime rib to grilled steak or vegetarian entrees.
3. Hearty and Filling
The potatoes soak up all that creamy cheese sauce and bake to tender perfection, making this dish a hearty side that can easily serve a crowd.
4. Foolproof Recipe
No need to worry about dry, bland scalloped potatoes. With this recipe, you’re guaranteed a creamy, cheesy result that’s bursting with flavor. Follow the simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s perfect every time.
Conclusion
Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. This creamy, cheesy dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, scalloped potatoes are a must-have recipe that’s worth keeping in your cooking repertoire. With perfectly tender potatoes, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbling top, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for all things cheesy and comforting.
Don’t lose this recipe—it’s one you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate scalloped potatoes!
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