Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Dish: A Creamy and Delicious Recipe for Your Next Meal

Cheesy scalloped potatoes dish is a timeless classic that never fails to impress at any gathering. This creamy, cheesy delight has roots in European cuisine, particularly in France, where it is known as “gratin dauphinois.” The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cream, and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. I love how cheesy scalloped potatoes dish brings people together, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner. The layers of flavor and texture—from the tender potatoes to the bubbling, golden cheese—make it a favorite for many. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones while it bakes to perfection!

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Potatoes

First things first, let’s get our potatoes ready. I love using russet potatoes for this dish because they have a great texture and flavor.

1. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even slices.
2. As you slice the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. This also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the dish too gummy.
3. Once all the potatoes are sliced, drain them and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Now, let’s whip up that delicious cheese sauce that will bring our scalloped potatoes to life!

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.
4. Once simmering, add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and thyme. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
5. Gradually add the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

Now that we have our potatoes and cheese sauce ready, it’s time to assemble everything into a beautiful dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
3. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes, making sure to cover them completely.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top layer of cheese sauce. This will create a lovely crunchy topping once baked.

Baking the Scalloped Potatoes

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bake our cheesy scalloped potatoes to perfection.

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of the dish. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese sauce should be thick and creamy.
4. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken up a bit more.

Serving the Dish

Now comes the best part—serving and enjoying our cheesy scalloped potatoes!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The creamy layers of potatoes, combined with the rich, melty cheese, create a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or even as a main dish paired with a fresh salad, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress. Feel free to get creative with your variations! You can add in some sautéed onions or garlic for an extra flavor boost, or even mix in some cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version. For a lighter twist, consider using a blend of different cheeses or substituting some of the cream with a low-fat alternative. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so special. I encourage you to give this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Happy cooking! Print

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Dish: A Creamy and Delicious Recipe for Your Next Meal
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
Indulge in creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes layered with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. This delightful side dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
1. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even slices.
2. As you slice the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. This also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the dish too gummy.
3. Once all the potatoes are sliced, drain them and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.
7. Once simmering, add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and thyme. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
8. Gradually add the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth (about 3-5 minutes).
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
11. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes, making sure to cover them completely.
12. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
13. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top layer of cheese sauce.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
15. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
16. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of the dish. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese sauce should be thick and creamy.
17. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.
18. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes!
Notes
• For added flavor, consider using different types of cheese or adding cooked bacon bits.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes