Description
Creamy scalloped potatoes deliver rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a velvety cheese sauce. Hearty comfort blooms from French-inspired culinary traditions that welcome friends around warm dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml / 32 fl oz) potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) butter
- 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- salt, to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Sauce Creation: Craft a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until golden, then gradually incorporate milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat, blend in sharp cheddar cheese until silky smooth, and season with salt and optional cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Layering Technique: Construct alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheese sauce, ensuring each potato slice is generously coated and slightly overlapping to create a uniform foundation.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle additional grated cheese across the final layer to develop a rich, golden crust.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and surface turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the dish to settle for 10-15 minutes after removing from oven, which helps stabilize the layers and enhances serving ease; optionally garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh accent.
Notes
- Potato Preparation: Slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Sauce Technique: Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base that enhances overall flavor.
- Baking Precision: Cover with foil initially to steam potatoes, then uncover to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top with perfect caramelization.
- Resting Period: Let the dish sit after baking to allow layers to set and absorb remaining sauce, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg