Description
Creamy, indulgent Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes invite comfort and warmth to your dinner table. Layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and delicate herbs promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 400°F (200°C) and coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- Create alternating layers of potato slices and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution from bottom to top.
- Craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Introduce flour and salt, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour flavor.
- Gradually incorporate room-temperature milk into the roux, whisking consistently until the mixture thickens (approximately 5 minutes). Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and silky.
- Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and promote uniform cooking.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 85-90 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
- For an optional crispy finish, remove foil after baking and activate the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
- After removing from the oven, season with additional salt and pepper. Allow the dish to rest briefly, enabling the sauce to further solidify before serving.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, tender results.
- Allow cheese sauce to cool slightly before pouring over potatoes to prevent separation and maintain smooth consistency.
- Prevent burned edges by covering dish with foil during initial baking and removing only for final browning.
- Reduce baking time by thinly slicing potatoes and using a mandoline for consistent thickness.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to cheese sauce for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
- Make dish vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg