Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Perfectly Creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes bring comfort and indulgence to any dining table with their rich, creamy layers.

These delectable potato slices upgrade simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

potatoes become magical when combined with sharp cheese and aromatic garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The crispy golden edges and velvety interior promise a sensory experience that elevates ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

Subtle hints of herbs and robust dairy notes intertwine, crafting a dish that speaks to both rustic home cooking and elegant dining.

Creamy textures meld with savory undertones, promising a recipe that will become a cherished family favorite.

Prepare to fall in love with a classic comfort food that delivers pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

The Appeal of Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: This scalloped potato dish delivers ultimate comfort food with its luscious layers of melted cheese, tender potatoes, and rich, velvety sauce that hugs every slice perfectly.
  • Master Flavor Complexity: The recipe brilliantly combines multiple cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan, creating a depth of flavor that transforms simple potatoes into a gourmet side dish.
  • Effortless Impressive Cooking: Despite looking complicated, this recipe requires basic cooking skills and minimal preparation, making it an excellent choice for home cooks wanting to create a restaurant-quality dish without stress.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks, these scalloped potatoes appeal to all ages and can complement multiple main course options from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees.

Ingredients for Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that creates the main structure of the dish, choose firm and waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the potatoes.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Rich dairy ingredients that add creaminess and smooth texture to the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that provide depth, melting properties, and a golden brown crust, select high-quality aged varieties for best results.
Aromatic and Binding Ingredients:
  • Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and aroma to the sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics smoothly.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a consistent and creamy sauce.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds subtle flavor and helps create the sauce's consistency.
  • Seasoning: Additional herbs or spice blend to enhance overall dish flavor.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 14 x 11 x 2 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes

Peel potatoes and cut into thin 1/4-inch slices. Transfer sliced potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add:
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir. Cook for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in:
  • Vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Seasonings
  • Heavy cream

Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat just before boiling. Stir in of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Create 3 identical layers in the baking dish:
  • 1/3 of potato slices
  • 1/3 of sour cream
  • 1/3 of cheese sauce
  • 1/3 of
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • Cheddar cheese

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

Step 7: Crisp the Cheese

Remove foil 15-20 minutes before finishing to brown the cheese.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Cheesy Potato Layers

  • Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: Stir the cheese sauce constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the potatoes perfectly.
  • Layer Carefully: Press down gently between layers to eliminate air pockets and help potatoes cook more evenly and absorb the delicious cheese sauce.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let the dish rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier without losing creamy texture.
  • Prevent Burning: Cover with foil for most of the cooking time to protect the top from over-browning while ensuring the potatoes cook thoroughly and remain tender.

Storing and Reheating Potato Leftovers

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store scalloped potatoes for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave using 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Restore crispy cheese topping by warming in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Uncover during the last 3-5 minutes to help cheese crisp up and regain its original texture.

What Goes Well with Scalloped Potatoes

  • Pair with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken to balance the creamy, rich potato dish. The meaty protein complements the cheesy, garlicky layers perfectly.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness. These wines provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy scalloped potatoes.
  • Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing. The fresh, acidic greens will help cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent potato dish.
  • Complete with Dry Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon works wonderfully. These wines offer robust flavors that stand up to the cheesy, garlic-packed potatoes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Different Takes on Scalloped Potatoes

  • Rustic Herb Potato Gratin: Swap half the cheddar with gruyère cheese and mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and chopped chives for an aromatic herb-infused version.
  • Bacon and Jalapeño Scalloped Potatoes: Crisp up bacon pieces and sprinkle them between layers, adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick and extra crunch.
  • Mediterranean Potato Bake: Replace cheddar with feta cheese, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and add crumbled kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Smoky Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes: Use smoked gouda instead of cheddar, add roasted red peppers, and include a layer of caramelized mushrooms for deep, rich flavors.
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
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes bring comfort and indulgence to any dinner table. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich garlic-infused cheese sauce, creating a luxurious side dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs (2.27 kg) Russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups onions, chopped small

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) butter

Seasoning and Broth Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • ½ cup flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly coat a 14 x 11 x 2 inches (35.5 x 28 x 5 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Carefully peel potatoes and slice them uniformly to approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 centimeters) thickness, transferring the slices to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Melt butter in a large frying pan over low heat, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Evenly dust flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously and cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour vegetable broth into the pan, stirring consistently while adding salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, removing from heat just before boiling point.
  6. Fold in of shredded cheddar cheese until smoothly integrated into the sauce.
  7. Create the first potato layer by arranging one-third of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, then distribute one-third of the sour cream and cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
  8. Sprinkle one-third of the Parmesan, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses across the layer.
  9. Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring the final top layer consists of cheddar cheese.
  10. Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  11. During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust.
  12. After removing from the oven, allow the dish to rest for approximately 15 minutes, enabling the layers to set before serving.

Notes

  • Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most luxurious texture in this indulgent dish.
  • Consistent Slicing Creates Perfect Layers: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Sautéing onions and garlic in butter develops a rich, deep base that elevates the entire potato casserole.
  • Sauce Thickening Secret: Cooking flour with onions before adding liquids prevents lumps and creates a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime easier.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make cutting and serving cleaner.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 585 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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