Velvety Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Dinner

Layers of tender potato slices nestled in a creamy, irresistible cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes recipe create a side dish that steals the show at every gathering.

Golden, bubbling cheese forms a crisp crust that beckons hungry diners.

Silky sauce coats each potato slice with rich, comforting flavors.

Fragrant garlic weaves its magic through the dish, adding depth and warmth.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver a stunning result that feels both rustic and elegant.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eagerly anticipating the first delicious bite.

Get ready to make a potato side dish that will become an instant classic at your next meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 9

Scalloped Potatoes: What You’ll Need

For Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Select firm, waxy potatoes with smooth skin for creamy texture and even cooking.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides rich, savory foundation and enhances overall depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds ingredients together.
For Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Blend different cheeses for complex, bold flavor profile and perfect melting consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create creamy, smooth layers.
  • Butter: Delivers golden, nutty undertone and helps develop base sauce.
For Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Infuse deep, aromatic base with robust, savory notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall taste, bringing out natural ingredients' flavors.
  • Flour: Thickens sauce and creates smooth, velvety consistency.

Cookware Essentials for Cheesy Garlic Potatoes

Equipment & Tools:
  • Large baking dish (14 x 11 x 2): Perfect for layering potatoes and creating a cheesy masterpiece.
  • Large frying pan: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base.
  • Large bowl: Ideal for slicing and holding potatoes before assembly.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for thinly slicing potatoes with precision.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for potato preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and cream.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan and cheddar cheese.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers dish during baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

  • Potato Preparation

Carefully slice potatoes into delicate, thin rounds. These golden discs will create a dreamy, creamy landscape in your baking dish.

  • Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in butter, creating a fragrant base that whispers promises of deliciousness. Dust with flour to build a silky sauce.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Pour vegetable broth and cream into the pan, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious sauce. Sprinkle in cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and inviting.

  • Layering Technique

Build your potato masterpiece by alternating potato slices, sour cream, and cheese sauce. Each layer tells a story of comfort and indulgence.

  • Cheese Celebration

Generously scatter Parmesan, pepper jack, and cheddar across the layers. These melty treasures will create a golden, crispy crown.

  • Oven Transformation

Cover with foil and bake until potatoes become tender. Remove the foil near the end to allow the cheese to develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust.

  • Resting Period

Let the dish rest after baking, allowing flavors to mingle and settle. This moment of patience rewards you with a perfect, bubbling side dish ready to delight.

Tips for Creamier Garlic Potatoes

  • Explore these delicious tips and variations to elevate your scalloped potato dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, gouda, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Incorporate diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or shredded chicken between potato layers for a heartier and more filling meal that transforms the side dish into a complete entrée.
  • Kick the recipe up a notch by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to introduce bold and exciting flavor dimensions.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses to create a slightly healthier version without compromising the creamy, comforting texture of the classic dish.

Best Way to Serve Scalloped Potatoes

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast, roasted pork tenderloin, or baked salmon to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the rich, cheesy potatoes.
  • Fresh Salad Companion: Counterbalance the creamy dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, adding freshness and cutting through the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
  • Wine and Dine Perfectly: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir, which will enhance the cheesy, garlicky flavors and provide a delightful dining experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this side dish into a weekend brunch centerpiece by serving it with a simple poached egg on top, creating a decadent and comforting morning meal that will impress family and friends.

Reheating and Storage Tips fors

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness will stay fresh and delicious.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra cream to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This makes entertaining or weeknight dinners a breeze, allowing you to simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Velvety Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Velvety Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy garlic scalloped potatoes deliver comfort with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich cheese sauce. Hearty side dishes like this impress guests and bring warmth to family dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs (2.27 kg) russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups onions, chopped small
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz (226 g) sour cream
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) butter
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • ½ cup flour

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 14 x 11 x 2 inches baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Potato Processing: Peel and slice potatoes uniformly, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Aromatic Base: In a large frying pan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Sauce Foundation: Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring continuously to cook out raw flour taste for 2 minutes.
  5. Liquid Integration: Pour vegetable broth into the pan, adding salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Simmer until the mixture thickens, avoiding boiling.
  6. Cheese Incorporation: Blend shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until smoothly integrated.
  7. Layering Technique: Create three alternating layers in the baking dish, starting with potato slices, followed by sour cream and cheese sauce, then sprinkle a blend of Parmesan, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses.
  8. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, removing foil during the final 15-20 minutes to allow cheese to develop a golden-brown crust.
  9. Resting Period: Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling layers to set before serving.

Notes

  • Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/4-inch thick potato slices, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Stir the sauce constantly while simmering to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps or burning.
  • Layer Strategically: Build layers carefully, making sure each potato slice is evenly coated with sauce and cheese for maximum flavor distribution and balanced bites.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 15 minutes after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star