Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

To create this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere) for topping
Salt to taste
Optional: ½ cup sliced green onions, pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your dish. Next, grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. The goal here is to create a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce. Keep whisking until the mixture turns a light golden color, indicating the flour is well-cooked. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt to taste, and if you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Layer the Potatoes: Start by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. The slices should overlap slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over this layer of potatoes, making sure it is spread evenly. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. The layering ensures that each potato slice is coated with the creamy sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Bake: Sprinkle ½ cup of grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere) evenly over the top of the layered potatoes. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the top from burning and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After this initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step allows the top to become golden and crispy, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy layers beneath.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the scalloped potatoes are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the dish set a bit, making it easier to serve. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the potatoes hot for the best experience, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that this dish offers.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg
Sodium: 250 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 10 g
Preparation Time
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour
How to Serve
To ensure your scalloped potatoes are enjoyed to their fullest, follow these serving suggestions:

Garnish: Top with sliced green onions if desired. This adds a touch of freshness and a bit of color to your dish.
Pairing: These potatoes make an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses. Consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, roast chicken, or beef. They complement a wide range of flavors and are a great addition to both casual dinners and special occasions.
Temperature: Scalloped potatoes are best enjoyed hot, right from the oven. The cheese sauce will be at its creamiest and the top will be delightfully crispy.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven to maintain the dish’s texture, though a microwave can be used for quicker reheating.
Presentation: For an elegant touch, consider serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins. This adds a sophisticated flair and makes for a lovely presentation, especially if you’re serving them for a special occasion.
Additional Tips
Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are a popular choice for scalloped potatoes due to their high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture as they cook. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option because they have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well. Combining these two types can give you the best of both worlds: a creamy texture with a bit of structural integrity.
Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. For a more adventurous twist, try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan for added complexity.
Slicing Potatoes: Consistency is key when it comes to slicing your potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve thin, even slices that cook uniformly. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work, but be sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible to avoid uneven cooking.
Preventing Sogginess: To avoid a soggy dish, make sure the sauce thickens adequately before layering it with the potatoes. Additionally, make sure the layers of potatoes are not too thick. Thin, even layers allow the sauce to penetrate and cook the potatoes more evenly.
Make Ahead: Scalloped potatoes can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish was chilled