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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Potato Processing: Expertly slice potatoes into uniform thin rounds using a mandoline, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and elegant presentation.
- Flavor Foundation: Finely mince garlic cloves to release their intense aromatic qualities, preparing to distribute throughout the layered potato composition.
- 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.
- 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.
- Topping Finalization: Generously sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, crispy crown that will develop a tantalizing bronzed exterior during baking.
- 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.
- 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