I still remember the day I tasted scalloped potаtoes , this simple dish stole my heart from that moment on . Thin slices of potаtoes bake in a creamy sauce and they come straight from 18th- century Europe where people first learned to make them . You can see scalloped potаtoes at big dinners , on holidays , or just any night you need some warm comfort .
At the core of cheesy garlic scalloped potаtoes lie two mighty flavors : garlic and chееse . Garlic, with its strong smell , brings a zesty bite to every forkful while chееse makes things rich and creamy . Together, they turn plain potаtoes into something almost magical , you can’t help but want more . Use it as a side to a roast or just by itself and it will never let you down .
What are Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ?
Cheesy garlic scalloped potаtoes are just scalloped potаtoes with extra flavor . Thin layers of potаtoes go into a dish , then you pour a creamy sauce filled with garlic bits and melted chееse on top . When it bakes , the sauce soaks into the potаtoes and makes them super tasty . The top gets bubbly and golden , it looks amazing and tastes even better .
To make these, you need starchy potаtoes for a soft inside and chееse like sharp cheddar or melty Gruyère for a little variety in flavor . Potatoes soak up the sauce , garlic adds that savory kick , and chееse makes it all smooth and gooey . Mix and match these parts and you end up with a big bowl of pure comfort .
You can change this dish however you like ; add thyme or rosemary if you want a herby note , put broccoli or spinach inside if you need some veggies , or try different chееses until you find your favorite combo . That’s the beauty of this recipe — it fits what you like .
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Here’s what you will need to make cheesy garlic scalloped potаtoes :
- Potatoes : Yukon Gold or Russet work best for their creamy texture .
- Garlic : Fresh cloves are best , but garlic powder can work too .
- Heavy cream or milk : Cream makes it rich , milk is a lighter choice .
- Cheese : Cheddar is common , or try Gruyère for a nutty taste .
- Butter : Adds a silky texture and extra flavor .
- Salt and pepper : Basic seasonings , plus herbs or spices if you like .
For special diets , swap in plant- based cream or cheese for a vegan version , and check if everything is gluten-free if you need
Directions to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Follow these steps to bake a dish that will impress everyone .
- Preheat the Oven : Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it heats while you prep .
- Slice Potatoes : Wash and peel them , then cut into ⅛- inch thick slices . Try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly .
- Make Cheese Sauce : Melt butter in a pan over medium heat . Add minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until you smell garlic everywhere . Pour in cream or milk and stir , then mix in chееse until it melts . Season with salt and pepper .
- Layer Ingredients : Grease a baking dish , add a bit of sauce at bottom , then place a layer of potato slices . Pour more sauce over them and repeat until done . Top with extra chееse .
- Bake : Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes . Take off foil and bake 15-20 minutes more until potatoes feel soft and top is golden .
- Finish : If you want a crisp top , broil for 2-3 minutes . Let it cool a few minutes before you serve . Sprinkle with parsley or chives for color .
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Use these ideas to make your dish even better :
- Best Potatoes : Yukon Gold and Russet hold up well , avoid waxy types that turn mushy .
- Even Slices : A mandoline slicer helps a lot , or take your time with a sharp knife .
- Flavor Boost : Add fresh thyme or rosemary , a pinch of nutmeg , or mix in blue chееse for a tangy twist .
- Storage : Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat , cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until hot .
Pairing Suggestions
These potаtoes go well with many dishes and drinks :
- Beverages :
- Wine : A crisp Chardonnay or a slightly sweet Riesling is great .
- Non- Alcoholic : Sparkling water with lemon or a tall glass of iced tea .
- Sides :
- Salads : Try a Caesar salad or mixed greens with light dressing .
- Proteins : Roasted chicken , grilled steak , or baked salmon all match well .
Nutritional Information
Here’s roughly what you get in one serving :
- Calories : Around 300-400 , depending on how much cheese and cream you use .
- Nutrition : Potatoes give you vitamin C , B6 , and fiber . Use low-fat dairy or add veggies to lighten it up .
FAQs
Some common questions answered :
- Best potato type ? Yukon Gold or Russet because they are creamy and absorb sauce .
- Can I prep ahead ? Yeah , you can make it a day early and bake from cold . Just add 10-15 more minutes to bake time .
- Reheat advice : Use the oven at 350°F (175°C) with foil on top . Skip the microwave for even heat .
- Top cheese picks : Cheddar and Gruyère are classics , try mixing in mozzarella or Parmesan too .
- Make it healthier ? Swap in low-fat cream or cheese and stir in spinach or cauliflower .
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are the perfect mix of comfort food and fancy flavor . They are easy to make , and everyone loves that gooey chееse and garlic taste . Give this recipe a shot and watch it disappear from the table .
Recipe Card Section
Preparation Time : 20 minutes
Cooking Time : 1 hour
Total Time : 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings : 6-8
Ingredients
- 4-5 Yukon Gold or Russet potаtoes , thinly sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 cups heavy cream or milk
- 2 cups shredded chееse (cheddar or Gruyère)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional herbs and spices
Cooking Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Wash , peel , and slice the potаtoes .
- Make the sauce: melt butter , sauté garlic , add cream , then stir in chееse .
- Layer potаtoes and sauce in a dish , top with extra chееse .
- Bake 45 minutes covered , then 15-20 minutes uncovered until golden .
- Cool slightly , garnish , and serve .
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mandoline or sharp knife
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 saucepan
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes About 4-5 medium potatoes.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about ⅛ inch thick).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk together until well combined.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
