Description
Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes celebrate classic comfort with layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, melted cheese and a golden, crispy top. Hearty and satisfying, this French-inspired side dish promises to elevate your dining experience with each delectable, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.25-inch slices (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 1.5 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Dairy and Fat Components:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 400°F (200°C) and coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Carefully slice potatoes and onions into thin, uniform rounds, creating alternating layers in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and kosher salt, continuously stirring for approximately 60 seconds to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually stream milk into the roux, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a glossy, uniform texture.
- Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring complete and even coverage throughout the casserole dish.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, checking potato tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- For an enhanced golden crust, remove foil and activate the broiler setting, watching carefully to achieve a crisp, bronzed top without burning.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to elevate the flavors, then serve piping hot directly from the oven.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Slice potatoes and onions in advance, storing them in cold water to prevent browning and save time during cooking.
- Cheese Sauce Perfection: Whisk flour and butter constantly to create a smooth roux, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Potato Selection Matters: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb the rich cheese sauce.
- Baking Time Tip: Cover with foil to prevent top from burning, allowing potatoes to cook evenly and become tender throughout the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set and make cutting and serving easier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg