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Delicious homemade scalloped potatoes topped with cheese and baked to perfection
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Scalloped Potatoes

A creamy, indulgent dish featuring layers of tender russet potatoes in a rich cream sauce, topped with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Dish, Cheesy Potatoes, comfort food, Creamy Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced Choose firm potatoes for the best structure and texture.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Rich and flavorful, it will enhance the creaminess.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Adds natural sweetness and depth to flavors.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the cream sauce with aroma.
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream Provides rich and smooth texture.
  • 1.5 cups whole milk Balances richness for a creamy blend.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Offers warmth and spice.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground thyme (optional) Elevates savory notes.

Cheese Toppings

  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Melts beautifully, providing flavor.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nutty depth and richness.

Optional Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted Optional for drizzling over breadcrumbs.
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional) Crunchy topping for contrast.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  • Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) and place in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Cooking the Base

  • In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Layering and Baking

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and start layering the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour cream sauce over potatoes, sprinkle with cheese, and repeat until all potatoes are layered.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes, uncover and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Add breadcrumbs if desired, then bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

  • Let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For lighter variations, consider using low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Leftovers can be frozen and reheated.