As I stood over the stove, smelling the buttery aroma of onions and garlic sizzling away, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. There’s something enchanting about homemade comfort food that not only nourishes the body but also brings warmth to the soul. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, a dish that makes any occasion feel special. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or serving guests at a cozy dinner party. Each layer of Yukon Gold potatoes swimming in rich, cheesy goodness creates an irresistible harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. Are you ready to embrace the magic of creamy, cheesy potatoes in your kitchen? Let's dive in!
Why are Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes a Must-Try?
Comforting, creamy goodness: Each bite of these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is a warm hug for your palate. Layered perfection: The Yukon Gold potatoes create a tender base while rich cheese sauces envelop them in dreamy flavors. Quick prep time: With just 20 minutes of hands-on work, you’ll have a stunning dish ready to impress. Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, they’re a guaranteed hit with both friends and loved ones. If you're seeking more ways to elevate your cooking, don’t miss out on our guide to homemade comfort foods.
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
• Get ready to create cheesy magic!
For the Potatoes
• Yukon Gold potatoes – their creamy texture makes them ideal for even cooking and great flavor.
For the Sauce
• Butter – adds richness and helps create a smooth roux.
• Medium onion, diced – brings a sweet and savory depth to the sauce.
• Garlic, minced – infuses the dish with aromatic goodness that complements the cheese.
• All-purpose flour – thickens the sauce, creating that luscious creamy texture.
• Milk – use whole milk for extra creaminess or substitute with a plant-based option if desired.
• Chicken broth – enhances the flavor of the sauce; vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
• Dried thyme – adds a touch of earthiness to balance the richness.
• Salt – brings all the flavors together, ensuring every bite of your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is seasoned to perfection.
For the Cheese
• Cheddar cheese, shredded – provides sharp, tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded – adds gooeyness and a mild flavor, perfect for that stretchy cheese pull.
• Parmesan cheese, grated – gives a savory, nutty finish and a delightful crust on top.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for the Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes. Gather your baking tools, including a 9 x 13 casserole dish and a medium saucepan, to keep everything organized and ready for the upcoming steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub the 2 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch rounds. As you slice, set them aside in a large bowl to keep them from browning while you prepare the rich cheese sauce that will accompany them.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In your medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter. Add the diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing them for 1–2 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This fragrant mixture forms the flavor base of your cheese sauce, signaling that it’s time to elevate these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes.
Step 4: Create the Roux
Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour into the saucepan, stirring to combine it with the onion and garlic. Gradually add in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil until it thickens, noting a creamy texture that will envelop your potatoes in delicious richness.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and mix in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheeses have melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. The decadent blend is what makes these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes truly irresistible!
Step 6: Layer the Dish
Lightly grease your 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Begin layering by placing one-third of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Pour one-third of the luscious cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat this layering process twice more, finishing with the remaining cheese sauce on top for a beautifully baked finish.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring that it seals in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to start becoming tender. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35–45 minutes. Look for the top to turn golden brown and the potatoes to be fork-tender, signaling that your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are nearly ready to make their grand debut at the dinner table.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows for the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Prepare for a delightful experience as you share this warm, cheesy comfort dish with loved ones!
Expert Tips for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
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Slice Evenly: Ensure the Yukon Gold potatoes are sliced uniformly to guarantee even cooking and a perfect texture throughout.
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Thicken Carefully: When making the cheese sauce, stir continuously to avoid lumps in the roux. If it gets too thick, add a dash more milk or broth.
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Cheese Variety: For a twist, try adding different cheeses like Gruyère or gouda along with the cheddar and mozzarella to elevate your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes.
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Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Layer the potatoes and cheese sauce evenly to prevent excess moisture buildup. This helps achieve that delightful crispy top.
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Rest Before Serving: Allow your scalloped potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets the cheese sauce set and enhances flavors as you serve.
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes in a tightly covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures the cheesy goodness stays rich and creamy.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
There's nothing quite like the warmth and richness of a comforting meal that brings family and friends together.
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Herb-Roasted Chicken: The succulent flavors of herb-roasted chicken enhance the creamy potatoes, making for a satisfying and hearty dinner.
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Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a vibrant, fresh crunch that beautifully offsets the richness of the cheesy dish. A delightful contrast!
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with its crisp romaine lettuce and zesty dressing provides a refreshing balance to the heavy scalloped potatoes. The combination is simply divine.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup: A steaming bowl of creamy mushroom soup serves as an elegant starter, deepening the earthy flavors that pair perfectly with the scalloped potatoes.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory rice and ground meat mixture make for a nourishing accompaniment that complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay brings out the flavors of the cheese and garlic, enhancing the overall dining experience. Its crispness is a perfect partner.
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Brownie Sundae: For dessert, a warm brownie sundae topped with vanilla ice cream offers a sweet indulgence to round off the meal, leaving everyone with a smile.
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Herbed Focaccia: Soft, fluffy slices of herbed focaccia bread are perfect for soaking up that luscious cheese sauce, adding both texture and flavor to your table.
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Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a touch of brightness and a delightful crunch alongside the hearty potatoes.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can slice the Yukon Gold potatoes and prepare the cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the sliced potatoes submerged in cold water to prevent browning and refrigerate the cheese sauce in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, drain the potatoes and layer them with the sauce in your greased casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden brown. This way, you’ll enjoy all the comforting flavors of this dish with significantly less effort on busy weeknights!
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this dish to your taste, enhancing it in delightful ways!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture without the dairy.
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Veggie Boost: Add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the potato and cheese layers for added flavor and nutrition. These veggies will not only enrich the dish but add wonderful earthiness.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fragrant twist that brightens up the cheesy goodness. A little fresh seasoning can elevate your dish to new heights!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce to add a zesty heat that tantalizes your taste buds. The combination of heat with creamy cheese is simply irresistible!
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Crusty Topping: Finish the dish with a layer of breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful, crunchy texture contrast to the creamy layers below. This adds a wonderful depth and texture to each bite.
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Loaded Potatoes: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or bits of ham into the layers for a savory, hearty take. This heartiness will turn your potatoes into a meal of their own!
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Sweet Potato Twist: Replace half of the Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor and a vibrant color contrast. Sweet potatoes lend a unique sweetness and nutritious benefits that pair beautifully with the rich cheese.
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Mushroom Mix: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the cheese sauce for additional umami richness. This variation not only adds layers of taste but also enhances the comfort factor!
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of these enhancements, each bite of your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes will be an exciting culinary adventure. Don't forget to explore our other comforting recipes like creamy macaroni or hearty vegetable lasagna for more inspiration!
Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! The best choice for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is Yukon Gold potatoes, as they have a creamy texture and buttery flavor that complements the cheese. Look for potatoes that are firm without any dark spots or blemishes. Avoid ones that feel soft or have sprouted eyes, as these can affect the dish's overall quality.
What is the best way to store leftover Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
Very good question! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing it to preserve the creamy texture. When reheating, consider adding a splash of milk to revive the sauce!
Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for added protection against freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
How do I troubleshoot if my cheese sauce is too thick or lumpy?
If your cheese sauce ends up too thick, no worries! You can easily fix it by adding a splash of milk or chicken broth while whisking continuously over low heat. This will help achieve that creamy texture. If it becomes lumpy, continue to stir and heat until the cheese fully melts. If needed, you can blitz the sauce with a hand blender to ensure it's velvety smooth.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Great question! If you're serving people with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth. For lactose intolerance, consider using lactose-free milk and cheese alternatives. Always be cautious about specific cheese brands as some may contain traces of allergens.
How can I make this dish in advance?
Making it ahead of time is a breeze! You can prepare the Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes up to the baking point and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This makes it not only convenient but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before baking!
Irresistibly Creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scrub the Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them into ⅛-inch rounds.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft.
- Stir in all-purpose flour, then gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted.
- Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes, then pour one-third of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat twice more.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
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