Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a rich sauce made with butter, cream, sour cream, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with sautéed onions and garlic, and lightly seasoned with paprika and black pepper, this comforting dish makes a perfect side for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat to create the base for your creamy sauce.
- Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the melted butter and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, releasing their sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to infuse flavor without burning.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the sauce.
- Whisk in Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream (or milk), whisking constantly to form a smooth mixture free of lumps.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to gently simmer, then mix in the sour cream, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika; continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in a prepared baking dish to build the base layer.
- Add Sauce: Pour half of the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the potato layer, coating the slices thoroughly.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauced potatoes for a cheesy layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses to create a second layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through gently.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or substitute milk for a lighter version.
- The paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor and color.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice color contrast and fresh herb flavor.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- To save time, use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices.
- This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
