Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish
Few dishes are as comforting as homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes. With layers of tender russet potatoes, sweet onion rings, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is everything you want in a holiday side or a hearty addition to weeknight dinners. Whether you’re prepping for a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, or simply craving a classic potato recipe with cheese, these scalloped potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
The secret to making this easy scalloped potatoes recipe a breeze? A rotary grater. This kitchen gadget has become my go-to tool for shredding cheese, slicing potatoes, and even cutting onions. With interchangeable blades, it’s versatile and simplifies prep time. I use it to quickly shred the cheddar cheese for this recipe and then switch to the slicing blade for perfectly uniform potato and onion slices. If you don’t already have a rotary grater, it’s a game-changer, and you’ll find yourself using it for many dishes beyond this one!
And for a finishing touch? Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. This optional garnish adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that will take your scalloped potatoes to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked scalloped potatoes check all the boxes:
- Easy Preparation: With the rotary grater and a straightforward process, this recipe comes together in just minutes. After that, the oven does all the work!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday spread or a simple dinner side, these cheesy potatoes fit the bill.
- Velvety Cheese Sauce: Made from scratch with whole milk and melted cheddar, the cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and irresistibly good.
- Fresh, Vibrant Finish: The parsley garnish isn’t just beautiful—it elevates the flavor in a subtle yet noticeable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious potato and onion bake:
- Russet Potatoes: These are the best choice for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy texture, which helps create a creamy dish.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: The base for the roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts smoothly and provides a classic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a bright, fresh touch to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page
Step One: Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and prepare an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Step Two: Layer the Potatoes and Onions
Arrange alternating layers of sliced potatoes and onions in the dish for even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step Three: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour and salt, and cook for one minute. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened, then stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth.
Step Four: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover with foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step Five: Broil for a Golden Top
For an irresistible crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking until golden brown.
Step Six: Finish with Parsley
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a vibrant, festive touch.
Tips for Success
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking. A rotary grater with a slicing blade makes this step effortless.
- Don’t Skip the Broil: The golden, bubbly topping adds texture and visual appeal. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Use Fresh Parsley: The garnish is optional, but it truly enhances the presentation and taste.
When to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These holiday potatoes are a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. However, they’re just as fitting for Sunday family dinners or as a comforting side for roast chicken, baked ham, or beef tenderloin. Their creamy texture and cheesy flavor make them a standout addition to any meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Homemade Goodness: Unlike store-bought scalloped potatoes, this recipe features a made-from-scratch cheese sauce that elevates the flavor.
- Versatile: Pair it with your favorite proteins, or serve it as a vegetarian main dish alongside a crisp salad.
- Fan Favorite: Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings, and watch it disappear—guaranteed!
- Parsley Garnish: An optional yet impactful addition that makes your dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. These cheesy scalloped potatoes also freeze well; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
A Holiday Must-Have
When planning your holiday menu, these homemade scalloped potatoes are a no-brainer. Their creamy, cheesy layers are pure comfort food, and they pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian feast. Plus, the rotary grater makes prep so simple, you’ll have more time to focus on enjoying the holiday with loved ones.
A Crowd-Pleaser
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing side dish, this easy scalloped potatoes recipe is it. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your rotation. Whether for a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, these baked scalloped potatoes are always a hit.
And don’t forget to sprinkle on that fresh parsley before serving—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Try them out, and don’t forget to let me know how they turned out! Share your photos and tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations. And if you’re in the market for the rotary grater I swear by, you’ll find the link right here.
Happy cooking, and enjoy these cheesy scalloped potatoes!
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion sliced into rings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering potato and then onion.
- In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened.
- Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked. Broil until golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
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