Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce, layered with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Ingredients. Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses fresh. Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into uniform 1/8 inch (3 mm) slices to promote even cooking.
- Make Cream Sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and heat the mixture until it just starts to boil, then immediately remove from heat to prevent curdling.
- Layer Potatoes and Cheese. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in an overlapping layer on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the warmed cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses on top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and a toothpick slides in easily. Watch closely near the end as oven temperatures vary.
- Rest Before Serving. Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make serving easier.
Notes
- Serves 6-10 people depending on serving size and accompanying dishes.
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin potato slices, which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Always use a protective glove or guard to prevent injury.
- To avoid oven spills, place the baking dish on a baking sheet, especially if your dish is shallow.
- For additional tips and step-by-step photos on preparation, refer to the original blog post or the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook, chapter 8.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake times may vary if chilled prior to baking.
