Get Ready for the Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ever!
Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a recipe so ridiculously good, it’ll become your new obsession. We’re talking about cheesy scalloped potatoes that are so creamy, so comforting, and so packed with flavor, they’ll make you wanna slap your mama (but don’t actually do that!).
I remember the first time I tasted truly amazing cheesy scalloped potatoes. It was at a little hole-in-the-wall diner during a road trip. One bite and I was hooked! It was the perfect balance of tender potatoes, a rich, cheesy sauce, and that golden-brown crust. Right then I knew I had to recreate this cheesy scalloped potatoes masterpiece and give it my Cuba Queen twist!
It’s like a warm hug in potato form, and it totally embodies everything Cuba Queen is about: big, bold flavors that make every meal a celebration. I’m so hyped to share this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe with you. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s gonna rock your world!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This cheesy scalloped potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity, because each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor symphony we’re about to create.
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes: Thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Yukon Golds are my go-to for their creamy texture.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: For the roux and for greasing the baking dish.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the cheese sauce.
- 3 cups Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg: The secret ingredient! Adds a subtle warmth.
- 4 cups (about 1 lb) Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star! Don’t skimp on the cheese!
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For topping. Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced very fine, for that savory base.
- 1 small Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced, adds sweetness and depth.
The secret to epic cheesy scalloped potatoes is using freshly grated cheese instead of the pre-shredded stuff. Trust me, the flavor and meltability are on another level!
You’ll find the best potatoes for this cheesy scalloped potatoes at your local farmer’s market, or even your favorite grocery store – look for Yukon Golds that are firm and free of blemishes.
Splurge on the sharp cheddar for this one. This cheesy scalloped potatoes ingredient choice makes all the difference. The sharper the cheddar, the more intense the cheesy flavor!
Don’t have fresh garlic on hand? A teaspoon of garlic powder will do in a pinch, but trust me, fresh garlic is always best for this cheesy scalloped potatoes.
To save time, you can slice the potatoes and onion a day ahead and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. This will prevent them from browning.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! These steps are your roadmap to cheesy scalloped potatoes glory. Follow them closely, trust your instincts, and get ready to create something truly special.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This is important to keep the cheesy scalloped potatoes from sticking.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This step is vital for the sauce’s smooth texture!
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid any lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. You want the base of the cheesy scalloped potatoes to be perfect, so don’t rush!
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This creamy base is everything!
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced potatoes and onion with the minced garlic. This will ensure that every slice of potato and onion has that lovely garlic flavor.
- Layer half of the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Then, layer the remaining potatoes and top with the remaining sauce. This is how you build the cheesy scalloped potatoes dream!
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This is your golden-brown crust in the making.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your cheesy scalloped potatoes should look/smell like cheesy, garlicky, potato-y heaven!
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up a bit and makes slicing easier.
Pro tip for cheesy scalloped potatoes perfection: use a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
In my kitchen, this cheesy scalloped potatoes takes exactly 75 minutes to bake uncovered for optimal cheesiness!
While your cheesy scalloped potatoes is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Seriously, that golden-brown crust is pure food porn.
Here’s where most people mess up their cheesy scalloped potatoes – they don’t cook the roux long enough. Don’t skip that step, or your sauce will be grainy!
PRESENTATION:
Alright, flavor adventurers, your cheesy scalloped potatoes masterpiece is ready! Now, let’s talk about how to present this culinary gem for maximum impact.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this cheesy scalloped potatoes at potlucks. It’s always the first dish to disappear!
This cheesy scalloped potatoes absolutely slays at holiday dinner parties! It’s the perfect side dish to complement any main course.
For a classic presentation, simply slice a generous square of cheesy scalloped potatoes and serve it straight from the baking dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
For a more elegant presentation, use a large spoon to scoop out individual servings onto plates. Drizzle with a little melted butter and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Bold pairing suggestions that complement cheesy scalloped potatoes: grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a simple green salad. The richness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with savory and fresh flavors.
If you have any leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes (which is rare!), transform them into cheesy potato cakes. Just mash them up with a little flour and egg, form into patties, and fry until golden brown.
For a seasonal cheesy scalloped potatoes variation, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the mix in the fall. In the spring, asparagus or peas would be delicious additions.
This cheesy scalloped potatoes reminds me of another flavor explosion: these cheesy veggie crescent bites. Serve them together for a cheese-lovers feast!
FAQs:
Got questions? I got answers! Here are some common cheesy scalloped potatoes cooking challenges that flavor adventurers face and my solutions for guaranteed success.
Q: Can I make this cheesy scalloped potatoes spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce, or toss the potatoes with some chopped jalapeños before layering them in the baking dish. A little heat takes this cheesy scalloped potatoes to the next level!
Q: What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?
A: Russet potatoes will work in a pinch, but they won’t be as creamy. Try to find a waxy potato variety for the best results.
Q: How do I know when my cheesy scalloped potatoes is perfectly done?
A: The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden brown and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Q: Can I make this cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What kind of cheese can I use besides cheddar?
A: Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Remember to keep that parmesan, though!
Q: Can I add ham or bacon to this cheesy scalloped potatoes?
A: Heck yes! Crispy bacon or diced ham would be a fantastic addition. Just layer it in with the potatoes and cheese sauce.
Q: My cheese sauce is lumpy! What did I do wrong?
A: Make sure you whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth before adding the milk. If lumps still form, try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
I’ve tested this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe countless times, and I’m confident that you can nail it on your first try!
This cheesy scalloped potatoes customization option is a game-changer: try adding a layer of caramelized onions for a sweet and savory twist!
Community feedback about this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe has been overwhelmingly positive! People rave about the creamy sauce and the perfectly cooked potatoes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this cheesy scalloped potatoes your own!
CONCLUSION:
This cheesy scalloped potatoes represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, comforting textures, and a celebration of simple ingredients. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
My Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Power Tips:
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and tastes amazing.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: They should be tender, but not mushy.
- Let the dish rest before serving: This allows the sauce to set up and prevents it from being too runny.
I’ve created and loved so many cheesy scalloped potatoes variations over the years. I’ve made a spicy version with chorizo and jalapeños, a smoky version with bacon and Gouda, and even a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables.
The cheesy scalloped potatoes version that gets the biggest reactions is the one with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious!
I’m confident that you can make this cheesy scalloped potatoes your signature dish. It’s easy to customize, always a hit, and perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!
This cheesy scalloped potatoes dish pairs perfectly with these garlic steak bites and potatoes if you want a double dose of potato perfection!
For more bold flavor adventures, check out this cheesy scalloped potatoes. These chili garlic sweet potatoes are another great side dish for your next gathering.
Don’t forget to share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your cheesy scalloped potatoes creations.
Let’s create some cheesy scalloped potatoes memories together! Go forth, flavor adventurers, and conquer that kitchen! ✨🔥 I know you can nail this baked scalloped potatoes recipe!
This creamy potato bake is simple to make, but will taste like you have been cooking all day! If you need inspiration, check out these recipes, cheesy scalloped potatoes for more delicious ideas!
And, if you are looking for another cheesy version, this recipe from Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is sure to be a hit!
Looking for something a little more gourmet? Try this! Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin
cheesy scalloped potatoes
This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. You can also add ham or bacon for a heartier dish.