Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish for any gathering. With its creamy texture and rich cheese flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests. Simple to prepare and full of comforting tastes, this dish works well for holiday dinners or casual family meals. The best part? It features just a handful of ingredients, making it a quick go-to option for busy cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of cheddar and parmesan creates a rich, cheesy taste that everyone loves.
- Simple Preparation: With only a few steps, you’ll have this dish ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 10 people, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile Pairing: These scalloped potatoes pair perfectly with meats, salads, and other side dishes.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and bake just before serving for easy entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
To make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A 9×13 dish is perfect for layering your scalloped potatoes evenly.
- Mandoline slicer: This tool helps you achieve uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for warming your cream mixture without boiling over.
- Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor of your dish.
Ingredients
This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is incredibly comforting, creamy, cheesy, and rich! It’s a simple side dish that feeds a crowd and has very few ingredients.
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F and move the rack to the middle position. This ensures even cooking during baking.
Step 2: Prepare Ingredients
While the oven heats up:
1. Grate both cheeses.
2. Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into 1/8 (3 mm) slices.
Step 3: Make the Cream Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Add butter and let it melt.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, add salt, and some pepper. Heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
In a greased 9×13 baking dish:
1. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom (overlapping slightly).
2. Pour half of the cream mixture over them.
3. Sprinkle half of each type of cheese over top.
4. Repeat with another layer using remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and finish with remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake Your Dish
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then:
1. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should slide in easily.
Step 6: Let It Rest
After baking, let the potatoes sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Grilled Meats
- Steak: The rich creaminess of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of grilled steak.
- Chicken: Pair with herb-marinated chicken for a comforting meal that pleases everyone.
- Pork Chops: The combination of cheesy potatoes and juicy pork chops creates a satisfying plate.
As Part of a Holiday Feast
- Roast Turkey: These scalloped potatoes make an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
- Ham: The creamy texture balances the sweetness of glazed ham, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
For Family Gatherings
- BBQ Ribs: Serve alongside BBQ ribs for a casual yet delicious gathering.
- Veggie Platter: Pair with fresh veggies to add a healthy contrast to the cheesy richness.
How to Perfect Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
To ensure your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes superior compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for consistent potato thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
- Layer Thoroughly: Make sure to distribute the cream and cheese evenly between layers for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary; check your potatoes at the lower end of cooking times to avoid overcooking.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Experiment with Spices: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra punch of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Complement your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with these fantastic side dishes that enhance your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce from the potatoes.
- Caesar Salad: This fresh salad adds a crisp texture and bright flavors, balancing the richness of scalloped potatoes.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds provide crunch and freshness on the plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with cheesy dishes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory notes of scalloped potatoes, creating a classic comfort food duo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking easy cheesy scalloped potatoes can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
- Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes work well for scalloped potatoes. Stick to starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
- Skipping the cheese grating: Pre-packaged grated cheese might not melt as well. Always use freshly grated cheese for a creamier result.
- Not layering properly: Layering is essential for even cooking. Make sure to alternate between potatoes, cream, and cheese for the best flavor distribution.
- Overcooking the dish: Keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens vary, so check early to prevent mushy potatoes.
- Neglecting resting time: Letting the dish sit after baking helps set the layers. Don’t skip this step; it enhances flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Easy cheesy scalloped potatoes will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350F and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of cream if needed and stir until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making easy cheesy scalloped potatoes.
How do I make easy cheesy scalloped potatoes creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, use heavy cream and ensure you layer the cream evenly throughout your dish.
Can I customize my easy cheesy scalloped potatoes?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese for added flavor.
What is the best type of cheese for easy cheesy scalloped potatoes?
A mix of cheddar and parmesan provides a delicious flavor combination. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses as well!
How do I know when my scalloped potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork or toothpick. Look for bubbly edges and a golden top layer.
Can I prepare easy cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just extend the cooking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
Easy cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting side dish that everyone will love. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients to make it truly yours!
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 people 1x
Description
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that elevates any meal with their creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual dinners, this dish combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a rich blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a festive feast, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Grate the cheeses and slice the potatoes using a mandoline.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in cream, salt, and pepper until warm.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, half of the cream mixture, and half of the cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes until tender.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
