Heavenly Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Dinner Magic

Creamy, indulgent cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes bring comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingle with rich, melted cheese and aromatic garlic.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the silky interior.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic side dish, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical when carefully assembled with love.

Comfort and warmth await you in each decadent bite of this irresistible potato casserole.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Are Always A Hit

• Master Comfort Food: A creamy potato dish that delivers ultimate satisfaction with layers of cheesy, rich goodness perfect for satisfying hunger and warming hearts.
• Adaptable Cooking Technique: Customize ingredients by swapping cheeses or adding proteins like bacon or ham, making this recipe flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Impressive side dish that works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and special weekend meals, guaranteed to win compliments from everyone at the table.
• Simple Professional Results: Requires basic cooking skills yet produces restaurant-quality presentation with golden crispy top and luxurious creamy interior that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Ingredients Needed For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Classic starchy potatoes that provide a hearty texture and absorb cream beautifully.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes that add a rich, smooth consistency to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Create a luxurious and velvety base that helps cook and flavor the potatoes.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté garlic while providing a golden, smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Offer a complex, melty cheese blend with sharp and nutty flavor profiles.

• Garlic Cloves: Provide a deep, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire cream mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the creamy potato casserole.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a warm, subtle spice that deepens the complexity of the cream sauce.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the baking dish during initial cooking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps To Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Set your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a large rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking and create a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Create Uniform Potato Slices

Carefully slice russet and Yukon Gold potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick.

Using a sharp mandoline or knife will help achieve consistent slices for even cooking.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Finely mince fresh garlic cloves to release their aromatic intensity.

The finer the mince, the more fragrant your dish will become.

Step 4: Build the Cream Base

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Craft the Cream Mixture

Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to blend into a smooth, luxurious base for the potatoes.

Step 6: Season the Cream

Whisk in salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Ensure the seasoning is well distributed for balanced flavor.

Step 7: Assemble the First Potato Layer

Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping each slice to form a compact layer that will soak up the creamy goodness.

Step 8: Sprinkle the First Cheese Layer

Generously cover the potato layer with a blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan cheeses, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Add the First Cream Pour

Carefully pour half of the seasoned cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese, allowing the liquid to seep between the slices for maximum flavor.

Step 10: Create the Final Layers

Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.

Ensure the top layer is fully covered with cream and cheese for a rich, decadent finish.

Step 11: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes to cook the potatoes gently without over-browning.

Step 12: Final Baking Stage

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30–35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 13: Rest and Settle

Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.

This step allows the casserole to set and absorb any remaining liquid, making it easier to serve.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes onto plates while hot.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and savor every luscious bite of this classic comfort dish.

Tips For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Success

• Select the Perfect Potatoes: Choose firm, starchy russet and creamy yukon gold potatoes for optimal texture and flavor balance.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create uniform 1/8-inch thick potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent layers.
• Master the Cream Base: Sauté garlic in butter before adding cream to develop deeper, more complex flavors throughout the dish.
• Control Browning Technique: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent burning, then uncover for final browning to achieve a crispy, golden top.
• Rest and Absorb: Allow the scalloped potatoes to sit for 15 minutes after baking, letting the cheesy cream sauce fully absorb and create a more cohesive texture.

Flavor Swaps For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Potato Gratin: Replace dried thyme with fresh rosemary and add chopped sage for a more aromatic herbal profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version of the classic dish.
• Vegan Creamy Potato Bake: Use coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream instead of dairy, with plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Casserole: Mix in diced green chiles, sprinkle cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.

Perfect Pairings With Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Perfect Potato Pairing Picks
• Complement Creamy Proteins: Serve with roasted rosemary chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin, which balance the rich potato's creaminess and provide lean protein contrast.
• Refresh with Crisp Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the dish's heaviness, delivering bright acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Green Crunch: Add a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette, introducing fresh texture and helping to lighten the potato dish's decadent profile.
• Elevate with Herbal Touch: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley to introduce a bright, green note that adds visual appeal and subtle herbal freshness to the creamy potato layers.

Best Way To Store Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the potatoes are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months; place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute russet and yukon gold with other varieties like red or white potatoes. Just ensure they are starchy and slice them uniformly for even cooking.

• Is it necessary to use a mandoline for slicing potatoes?

While a mandoline helps achieve consistent thickness, a sharp knife works well too. The key is cutting potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8-inch thick.

• How can I make this dish less rich?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace some with whole milk. You can also use lower-fat cheese varieties or decrease the cheese quantity to lighten the recipe.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy layers of cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes deliver comfort and indulgence in every single bite. Hearty potatoes nestled with sharp cheddar and aromatic garlic create a side dish you’ll crave at family gatherings and holiday meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 2 kg / 4.4 lbs russet potatoes
• 1 kg / 2.2 lbs yukon gold potatoes

Dairy and Cheese:

• 500 ml / 2 cups heavy cream
• 250 ml / 1 cup whole milk
• 250 g / 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 150 g / 1.5 cups shredded gruyère cheese
• 100 g / 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 100 g / 0.5 cup unsalted butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a large rectangular baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice russet and yukon gold potatoes into uniform thin rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick, using a sharp mandoline or knife for consistent thickness.
3. Mince garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic oils and preparing them for infusing the cream mixture with intense flavor.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the garlic-butter mixture, stirring gently to combine and create a rich, creamy base.
6. Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and nutmeg to the cream mixture, whisking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
7. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each round to create an even, compact layer.
8. Sprinkle a generous mixture of cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses over the first potato layer, ensuring even coverage.
9. Pour half of the seasoned cream mixture over the first cheese and potato layer, allowing liquid to seep between potato slices.
10. Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture, ensuring top layer is completely covered.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, preventing excessive browning.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove from oven and let the scalloped potatoes rest for 15 minutes, allowing the dish to set and absorb remaining liquid.
14. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and cheesy potato casserole.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a sharp mandoline or careful knife skills to achieve thin, precise potato rounds without compromising safety.
• Experiment with cheese combinations by swapping or mixing different varieties like gouda, fontina, or swiss for unique flavor profiles.
• Make this dish gluten-free by ensuring all cheese and dairy products are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Prevent burning by covering with foil during initial baking and monitoring browning in the final stage of cooking.
• Enhance flavor by infusing garlic butter mixture with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth and aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg