Heavenly Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort

Layers of creamy, golden potatoes with a tangy cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes recipe speak directly to comfort food lovers everywhere.

Tender potato slices nestled between rich, melted cheese create a mouthwatering side dish that steals the show at any dinner table.

Sharp cheddar and smooth cream mingle with fragrant garlic, promising pure culinary bliss.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and silky, cheesy interior.

The aroma alone will draw hungry family members to the kitchen before the dish even hits the table.

Baked until golden and bubbling, these scalloped potatoes transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch smiles spread with every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creating creamy, tender layers with excellent absorption of flavors. Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Butter: Adds rich, smooth texture and helps prevent sticking while enhancing overall flavor profile. Select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds potato layers together. Look for fresh, high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor and helps create golden, crispy top layer. Grate cheese freshly for optimal melting and texture.
• Gruyère Cheese: Introduces nutty, complex undertones and provides excellent melting characteristics. Choose authentic Swiss Gruyère for authentic taste.

• Garlic: Infuses deep, savory flavor throughout the dish. Select fresh, firm garlic cloves without sprouting.
• Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal note that complements creamy potato base. Use fresh thyme leaves for brightest flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall taste profile. Choose fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity. Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.

Tools That Help Bake Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and tossing potato slices.
• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing potatoes uniformly and thinly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering potatoes and creating a delicious casserole.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing potatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, perfectly shredded cheese for maximum flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Steps To Get Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Just Right

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect environment for a golden, bubbling potato masterpiece. Get your baking dish ready with a light butter coating or quick spray.

• Potato Transformation

Carefully craft thin, delicate potato rounds that will melt together in creamy harmony. A mandoline can help achieve paper-thin perfection, but a sharp knife works just as well for home cooks.

• Flavor Foundation

Layer your potato slices with a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Swiss, and parmesan. Each slice gets a sprinkle of minced garlic and a whisper of fresh thyme for depth.

• Creamy Liquid Magic

Pour a silky mixture of heavy cream and milk over the layers, allowing the liquid to seep between each potato slice. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

• Cheese Crown

Generously shower the top with an extra blanket of cheese, creating a golden, crispy crust that will make mouths water.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the potatoes are tender, the edges are crispy, and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

• Resting Period

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Twists To Boost Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Flavor

• Potato Perfection Techniques: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniformly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a beautifully layered texture.
• Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, sharp cheddar, or fontina to add depth and complexity to the classic dish.
• Lactose-Free Adaptation: Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a delicious plant-based version that accommodates lactose-intolerant guests.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This strategy helps meld flavors and makes entertaining easier by reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
• Flavor Boosting Tip: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or crumbled bacon between potato layers to introduce unexpected and delightful taste dimensions that elevate the classic scalloped potato recipe.

How To Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes With Meals

• Rustic Family Feast: Pair these creamy potatoes with roasted honey-glazed ham or herb-crusted chicken for a comforting main course that brings everyone to the table.
• Elegant Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled salmon or roasted beef tenderloin to elevate your dinner with a luxurious and indulgent potato accompaniment that screams gourmet.
• Vegetarian Delight: Transform this dish into a complete vegetarian meal by adding layers of sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers between potato layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Brunch Brilliance: Create a weekend breakfast showstopper by topping the scalloped potatoes with a soft-poached egg and sprinkle of fresh chives, making it a hearty and impressive morning dish.

Best Way To Store Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and preventing moisture loss.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and intensify.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in double layers of aluminum foil, storing flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating Wisdom: Revive cold potatoes by adding a splash of milk or cream, then warming in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.

Crispy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes meld creamy textures with rich flavors from French culinary traditions. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and garlic create a comforting side dish you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Potato Processing: Expertly slice potatoes into uniform thin rounds using a mandoline, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and elegant presentation.
3. Flavor Foundation: Finely mince garlic cloves to release their intense aromatic qualities, preparing to distribute throughout the layered potato composition.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream, milk, salt, pepper, and herbs into a smooth, silky sauce that will provide rich moisture and binding for the potato layers.
5. Layering Technique: Construct alternating layers of potato slices, interspersing each tier with minced garlic, grated cheese, and a delicate drizzle of cream sauce, ensuring complete flavor integration.
6. Topping Finalization: Generously sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, crispy crown that will develop a tantalizing bronzed exterior during baking.
7. Baking Protocol: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, removing the foil during the final 15 minutes to allow the cheese to caramelize and achieve a perfectly burnished finish.
8. Resting Phase: After removing from the oven, let the dish settle for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld into a harmonious, creamy masterpiece before serving.

Notes

• Select Sharp Knife: Use a mandoline or extremely sharp knife for uniform, thin potato slices to ensure consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat potato slices dry before layering to prevent excess water and achieve a creamy, rich texture without becoming watery.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-moisture cheeses like gruyère or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and optimal melting characteristics.
• Prevent Burning Techniques: Cover with foil during initial baking to protect delicate top from excessive browning while allowing perfect internal cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg