Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Bake

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Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Bake

Description

Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish, featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and topped with plenty of melted cheese. Every bite is soft, buttery, and packed with savory flavor, making this casserole perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, potlucks, or Sunday meals. The potatoes slowly absorb the creamy sauce as they bake, becoming incredibly tender while the top develops a beautifully golden, bubbly cheese crust. Fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan add depth to the rich cream sauce, creating a homemade dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. This recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, baked ham, or turkey, but it’s also hearty enough to enjoy as a vegetarian main course with a crisp green salad. Best of all, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making entertaining simple and stress-free. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread or looking for the perfect side dish to elevate an everyday meal, this creamy scalloped potato bake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients For the Potatoes

  • 2½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the baking dish

For the Cream Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and slice them into thin, even rounds about ⅛-inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

Step 4: Add the Dairy

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6: Layer the Potatoes

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 8: Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, pork chops, baked ham, or a fresh green salad.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

Tips

  • Yukon Gold potatoes create an extra creamy texture, while Russet potatoes absorb more sauce.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
  • A mandoline slicer helps create evenly thin potato slices.
  • Add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven.
    Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes. Bake first, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Q: What proteins pair well with this dish?
Roast chicken, grilled steak, pork tenderloin, meatloaf, baked ham, turkey, or roasted salmon all pair wonderfully.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 8

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 410
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 560mg

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