Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Introduction

Imagine sitting down to a hearty dinner, the warm aroma of garlic and cheese filling the air. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a savory garlic punch, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, hosting a holiday dinner, or just craving comfort food, these scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit. They’re rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than stressing in the kitchen.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying scalloped potatoes at a family gathering, you know just how comforting they can be. What makes this recipe extra special is the addition of garlic and a generous amount of melted cheese, turning the classic into something unforgettable. Get ready to dig in, because this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons you’ll be hooked on these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes:

• Creamy and Cheesy: The rich, creamy sauce combined with gooey cheese creates the perfect texture and flavor.
• Savory Garlic Kick: The garlic adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
• Perfectly Baked: The potatoes cook tender and soft, while the cheese on top gets bubbly and golden.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a weeknight meal, these potatoes fit every occasion.
• Customize It: Add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to make this recipe your own.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish in advance, saving time on the big day.
• Kid-Approved: The cheesy, garlicky flavor is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: If you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this is the dish for you.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a baking dish, a knife, and a few simple kitchen tools.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 16g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes:

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

• 6 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work best)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little color)

Ingredient Highlights

• Potatoes: The star of the dish! Yukon gold potatoes are buttery and hold their shape well when baked, making them perfect for scalloped potatoes.
• Cheddar Cheese: This classic cheese adds sharpness and creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan brings a salty, umami-rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream and Milk: Together, these create a rich, creamy sauce that’s the base of your scalloped potatoes.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the cream and cheese.
• Butter and Flour: These create a roux that helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Slice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes (if you prefer) and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandolin slicer works great for even slices, but a sharp knife works too.
3. Minimize Browning: Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water to prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Make the Sauce

1. Cook the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to create a smooth paste.
3. Add Cream and Milk: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, making sure to keep stirring to prevent lumps.
4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and paprika (if using), and bring the sauce to a simmer. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Once smooth and creamy, remove from heat.

Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes

1. Layer the Potatoes: Begin layering the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Overlap them slightly to ensure each layer is well-covered.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Repeat the process until you have three layers of potatoes and sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake and Finish

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes:

1. As a Side Dish: Pair these creamy potatoes with roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef, for a comforting meal.
2. With a Green Salad: Serve with a simple salad to balance out the richness of the potatoes.
3. Holiday Feast: This dish is a perfect addition to your holiday table, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
4. With Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover cheese sauce.
5. Individual Portions: If you want to make serving easier, try baking these in individual ramekins for a personal touch.
6. Add Toppings: For an extra boost, top with crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Additional Tips

Maximize the flavor and texture of your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes with these helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If you use garlic powder, you may miss out on that bold garlic kick.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: For even cooking, don’t overload the layers of potatoes—make sure each one is covered with the sauce.
3. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap out the cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
4. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking so the sauce can set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
5. Reheat Properly: If you have leftovers, reheat in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions.
6. Layer the Potatoes Neatly: Overlap the potato slices slightly to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
7. Add Some Heat: Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
8. Make It Vegan: Swap the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and butter substitutes.

Recipe Variations

Add a twist to your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes with these creative variations:

• Bacon and Cheese: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the sauce or sprinkle it on top for an extra smoky flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and layer them in with the potatoes for added depth and flavor.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic dish.
• Spicy Jalapeños: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Spinach: Layer in some sautéed spinach for a green boost.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version of the dish.

Freeze and storage

This recipe is great for make-ahead meals or freezing:

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled scalloped potatoes in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

faq section

Got questions about making these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes? Whether you’re prepping ahead, customizing with different ingredients, or looking for tips to make the perfect dish, we’ve got you covered. Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make this dish exactly how you want it!

Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold and russet potatoes work best for this dish, you can try sweet potatoes for a twist. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes will change the flavor and texture slightly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can be used in place of cheddar for a different flavor profile. Mix and match to find your favorite combo.

How can I make these potatoes spicier?
If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or mix in some finely chopped jalapeños. A few dashes of hot sauce will also give it a spicy kick.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make the dish gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. Layers of tender potatoes smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce and topped with gooey, melty cheese—what’s not to love? This dish is rich, satisfying, and so easy to make, making it the perfect side for any dinner, from casual family meals to festive occasions.

The best part? It’s super customizable! You can add herbs, switch up the cheese, or even throw in some crispy bacon for a little extra flavor. No matter how you make it, these scalloped potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.

I’d love to hear how you make it your own, so don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!