Description
This Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender slices of russet potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sautéed onions and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the scalloped potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to build rich flavor.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary until the mixture is well blended, creating a flavorful base for the potatoes.
- Layer Ingredients: In your baking dish, create layers by placing slices of potatoes, then spreading some of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the layer, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated. Repeat this process until all potatoes are layered, finishing with a final pour of the cream sauce on top.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the dish to set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add aromatic complexity; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half.
- Letting the dish rest after baking improves texture and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a less creamy result.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food, cheddar cheese potatoes, easy side dish
