Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Quick & Creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Sinking your fork into creamy, mouthwatering cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes that melt with rich, comforting flavors.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes create a delightful texture that promises pure satisfaction.

Sharp cheddar and garlic dance together, infusing each bite with irresistible warmth.

Crispy edges hint at the delectable golden-brown crust waiting to surprise you.

This classic side dish brings memories of cozy family dinners and weekend gatherings.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when prepared with love and care.

Prepare to experience a potato recipe that will become your new favorite comfort food.

Why Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Are Always A Hit

  • Create Perfect Potato Layers: These delicate potato slices stack beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth.
  • Master Simple Prep Technique: Using a mandoline makes slicing potatoes incredibly quick and uniform, which means professional-looking results without culinary training required.
  • Enjoy Comfort Food Elegance: This dish transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious side that feels like a restaurant-quality experience, yet remains incredibly easy to prepare for family dinners or special gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible cheese and seasoning variations, letting home cooks personalize the flavor profile to match their preferences or complement main course dishes.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base: – Russet Potatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creamy texture, hold shape well during baking, and absorb flavors beautifully.

Dairy Components: – Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Rich base for creating smooth, luxurious sauce that binds potato layers together.

  • Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in baking dish.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Provides deep, melty cheese flavor with perfect golden-brown crust.

Flavor Enhancers: – Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, aromatic flavor that complements creamy potato dish.

  • Fresh Thyme, Dried Thyme: Offers subtle herbal notes that elevate overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing other ingredients.

How To Prepare Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Canvas

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of butter or give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any potato sticking.

Step 2: Master the Potato Slicing Technique

Grab your potatoes and transform them into delicate, paper-thin slices. Aim for uniformity around 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer is your secret weapon for creating perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well with a steady hand.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Cream Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Layer Your Potato Masterpiece

Begin building your potato layers:
  • Spread a thin layer of cream mixture on the bottom of the baking dish
  • Arrange the first layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping
  • Sprinkle a generous handful of
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Grated parmesan
  • Drizzle more cream mixture

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your potatoes, ending with a cheese-covered top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. The result? A creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused potato dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Easy

  • Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline for uniform potato thickness, ensuring even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
  • Layer Strategically: Arrange potato slices in overlapping, slightly angled rows to create a visually appealing and consistently cooked casserole.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-moisture cheeses like gruyère or cheddar for maximum melting and rich, creamy texture.
  • Prevent Browning Too Quickly: Cover the dish with foil for the first 30-40 minutes of baking to allow potatoes to cook through without burning the top layer.
  • Make It Dietary-Friendly: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.

Save And Warm Up Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen potatoes maintain quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated potatoes at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

Great Sides For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Savor Roasted Meat Companions: Pair these creamy, cheesy potatoes with roasted chicken, slow-cooked beef roast, or tender pork tenderloin for a hearty meal that balances rich, savory flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp Wines: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir to cut through the potatoes' richness and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a light, zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy potato dish and create a well-rounded meal.
  • Elevate with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top to add a burst of color, fresh flavor, and aromatic complexity to the scalloped potatoes.

New Takes On Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Herb Fusion Potatoes: Enhance the classic recipe by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped sage between potato layers for an aromatic herbal kick that elevates the traditional scalloped potato flavor.
  • Bacon Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Crisp and crumble bacon between potato layers, creating a smoky, savory element that adds depth and richness to the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Version: Incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a zesty, heat-packed variation that transforms the traditional comfort dish into a bold, spicy experience.
  • Mediterranean-Style Scalloped Potatoes: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version with tangy and bright flavor profiles.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes FAQs

  • Are these scalloped potatoes difficult to make for beginners?

No, this recipe is surprisingly simple! Even if you’re new to cooking, you can easily follow the steps and create a delicious side dish with basic kitchen skills.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the original recipe works great with cheddar, you can experiment with gruyere, swiss, or parmesan to add your own twist and flavor profile.

  • Do I really need a mandoline to slice potatoes?

Not necessarily. A sharp chef’s knife works well too. Just aim to cut your potato slices as evenly as possible (around 1/8-inch thick) to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.

  • What makes these scalloped potatoes extra special?

The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cheese, and potential garlic infusion creates a creamy, indulgent side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

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Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes deliver creamy layers of potato heaven with golden-brown edges that promise irresistible flavor. Rich French-inspired side dishes welcome hungry diners to savor each indulgent, velvety bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 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

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C) and generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a lubricating agent.
  2. Transform raw potatoes into delicate, uniform medallions by carefully skinning and slicing them with a razor-thin precision, ideally utilizing a mandoline for consistent thickness.
  3. Mince fresh garlic cloves into aromatic, fine fragments that will infuse the dish with robust, pungent essence.
  4. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together cream, milk, and seasonings until smooth and velvety, creating a rich binding element for the potato layers.
  5. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping, elegant rows within the prepared baking dish, ensuring each slice slightly covers its predecessor.
  6. Generously distribute minced garlic and grated cheese between each potato layer, creating pockets of intense flavor and creamy texture.
  7. Pour the meticulously prepared cream mixture over the layered potatoes, allowing it to seep into every crevice and saturate the entire composition.
  8. Dust the surface with additional cheese, creating a golden, crisp topping that will transform during baking.
  9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, preventing excessive browning while ensuring thorough, even cooking.
  10. Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven, baking for approximately 45-60 minutes until potatoes become tender and the top achieves a seductive, bronzed appearance.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes, permitting the sauce to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for a few minutes to remove excess starch, preventing them from sticking together and creating a creamier result.
  • Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère for a more complex and rich flavor profile that elevates the classic scalloped potato recipe.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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