Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

“This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a classic, creamy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or family meals. Made with layers of tender Russet potatoes, flavorful onions, and a homemade Cheddar cheese sauce, this comforting scalloped potatoes recipe is easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, these scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with ham, roast chicken, or steak. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, this easy cheesy scalloped potatoes dish is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!”

Ingredients

• 4 Russet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
• 1 onion, sliced into rings
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange the potato slices and onion rings in alternating layers in the casserole dish. Season each layer lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and ½ teaspoon salt, stirring continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add Cheese to Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring the sauce covers all layers.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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Tips

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. A mandoline can be helpful.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the milk or cheese.
• For Extra Creaminess: Add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to the milk for a richer cheese sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Bacon or Ham: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for added flavor and protein.
• Try Different Cheeses: Substitute part of the Cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan for a unique twist.
• Herb Flavor: Sprinkle in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a flavor boost.

FAQs

• Can I make this dish ahead? Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just bake it fresh before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
• Can I use another type of potato? Yukon Golds also work well for a creamy texture, but avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t hold up as well.
• How do I store leftovers? Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a classic side for ham, roast chicken, or steak.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The homemade cheese sauce and tender potatoes make this a perfect side dish for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to please, this dish is the ultimate comfort food everyone will love!