Description
Creamy scalloped potatoes promise comfort and delight in every forkful of this classic side dish. Layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and velvety sauce will make your dinner guests crave seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup (120 milliliters) grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere) for topping
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
- 1 1⁄2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sliced green onions (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in flour until the mixture turns a delicate golden hue, releasing a nutty aroma.
- Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety base sauce.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, stirring frequently to maintain a consistent texture.
- Remove the sauce from heat and incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky.
- Arrange a uniform layer of thinly sliced potatoes along the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle half of the luxurious cheese sauce over the potato layer, allowing it to seep between the potato slices.
- Create a second layer of potatoes, then pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top, creating a promising golden crust.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, trapping moisture and ensuring tender potatoes.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a crispy, bronzed masterpiece.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes, letting the sauce settle and flavors meld, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Choose high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most tender results.
- Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy consistency in the final dish.
- Create a lactose-free version by substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk and using vegan cheese alternatives.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set and make serving easier.
- Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by adding cheese off the heat and stirring gently until smooth.
- Enhance flavor by adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg