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Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 49 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

This Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and subtle spices. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a luscious blend of smooth, cheesy flavors with a hint of nutmeg and garlic, perfect as a hearty side for family dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, about 4 medium-size russet or Idaho potatoes)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic (minced finely or grated)
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 pinch ground red pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated and divided)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/8 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven: Gather all your ingredients, thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Roux Base: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced or grated garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Add kosher salt, ground red pepper, and nutmeg. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
  4. Melt Cheese into Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted into the sauce. Remove from heat.
  5. Layer Sauce and Potatoes: Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the cheese sauce evenly across the bottom. Add half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer over the sauce.
  6. Add More Sauce: Pour half of the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly.
  7. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining potato slices in an even layer and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over them.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  10. Bake Uncovered and Finish: Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender (test by piercing with a fork) and the top is bubbly and golden. Add a pinch of optional paprika for color and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, use a mandoline or sharp knife and strive for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
  • Make sure to whisk constantly when making the cheese sauce to avoid lumps and burning.
  • If you don’t have sharp cheddar, a mild cheddar can be used but the flavor will be less intense.
  • Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

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Find it online: https://familyfriendlydishes.com/easy-southern-cheesy-scalloped-potatoes-recipe/