Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, with tender layers of potatoes baked in a rich, creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce. Perfect for any holiday gathering, family dinner, or special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly into 1/8-inch rounds. A mandoline slicer works best for even, thin slices.
3. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Dairy: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
3. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Potatoes: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Add Sauce: Pour half of the garlic cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly covered.
3. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining potatoes and top with the remaining garlic cheese sauce.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)

1. Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole in the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a crunchy finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve: Slice and serve! These cheesy scalloped potatoes are perfect alongside your favorite main dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Protein Pairing: Serve these creamy potatoes alongside roasted chicken, steak, or grilled pork chops for a well-rounded meal.
• Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the potatoes.

Tips for Success

• Even Slices: For uniform cooking, make sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. A mandoline slicer can be helpful.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to swap out the cheese for other varieties like Gruyère, gouda, or white cheddar for a different flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative. They’re creamy and will add a slightly different texture, but they’ll still work beautifully in this recipe.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich, but still creamy.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! You can layer in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.

This Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a rich, creamy, and cheesy potato dish. It’s the ultimate side dish to elevate any meal!