Immerse yourself in the rich, creamy indulgence of our Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a velvety cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. It's a decadent side that's perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting cheesy treat.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- Each serving is a hearty scoop of scalloped potatoes.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Ingredients
- Potatoes, thinly sliced: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
- Butter: 60 g (1/4 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 30 g (1/4 cup)
- Milk: 720 ml (3 cups)
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 200 g (2 cups)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Nutmeg: a pinch
- Fresh thyme: for garnish
Method of Preparation
Prepare the Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and flour, stirring for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Layer half of the potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of caramelized onions between the potatoes.
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Parmesan, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready.