Description
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy baked side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella. This comforting American classic is perfect for holiday meals or any family dinner, offering a smooth, buttery texture with a golden bubbly top.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and cooks out its raw taste without browning.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Layer potatoes and sauce: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through gently and the flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 20–25 minutes more until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest and garnish: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, include a layer of sautéed onions or cooked bacon between potato layers.
- Swap out cheddar and mozzarella with Gruyère or Parmesan cheese for a gourmet twist.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet potatoes for a more classic bite.
- Letting the dish rest after baking improves sliceability and flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
