Description
A creamy and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon gold or russet potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. This classic American scalloped potato recipe is perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and optional ground mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate caramelized onions or crispy bacon between potato layers.
- Substitute part of the cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack to vary the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
