These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are Perfection! Recipe

Experience a delightful harmony of thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with heavy cream, subtly enhanced by garlic and spices. Rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses meld into a deliciously bubbly crown for a comforting and indulgent side dish. Perfect for family gatherings and festive celebrations, this recipe guarantees charm and flavor.

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I’ve always loved how these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes deliver a bit of comfort in every bite. I use five medium russet potatoes sliced real thin and layer them in a dish with two cups of heavy cream and a cup of whole milk.

Adding two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of onion powder gives it a savory kick that is hard to beat. I then drizzle melted unsalted butter over the top before tossing in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese and a cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Even a half teaspoon of dried thyme can really make a difference if you’re into that kind of flavor twist. Although it’s a bit rich nutritionally with loads of fats from the cream and cheeses, the dish also provides potassium from the potatoes and calcium from the dairy.

Its a perfect fast and easy side for dinner that works great for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or just a simple holiday potluck.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the cheese gets all ooey-gooey and covers every single potato slice making each bite super satisfying.
2. The mix of heavy cream, milk and garlic gives it this rich flavor that makes it feel super indulgent.
3. I really appreciate how easy it is to put together, layering the potatoes and cheeses in a way that makes it perfect for any family meal.

My friends and family always tell me how much they love these cheesy scalloped potatoes and i gotta say, i totally agree. The dish has this amazing balance of creamy sauce and tender potato slices that somehow manage to soak up all the flavors in a really awesome way. I usually whip it up for Thanksgiving or even just a regular family dinner because its super comforting and easy to make even if im not a master chef. Its become my go-to side dish for potlucks and holiday celebrations, and honestly, i think its the perfect mix of simple ingredients and mind blowing flavor.

Ingredients

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Russet potatoes: Provide carbohydrates, starch, and fiber that add texture and natural sweetness.
Heavy cream: Rich and velvety; supplies calories and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Whole milk: Offers protein, vitamins, and a smooth dairy flavor that’s comforting.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic kick and essential nutrients for a subtle heat.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, delivers protein, and intensifies the dish’s cheesiness.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp savory taste, offering extra depth and saltiness.
Unsalted butter: Contributes a smooth richness perfect for binding flavors together.
Dried thyme: Adds a whisper of herb earthiness that lifts the overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with a little melted butter.

2. In a bowl, mix 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, pepper and if you want add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.

3. Arrange a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes in the bottom of your dish.

4. Drizzle a bit of the cream mixture over the potatoes and then brush them with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.

5. Sprinkle a mix of 2 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup grated Parmesan evenly on top.

6. Repeat layering with the remaining sliced potatoes, cream mixture and cheeses.

7. Make sure every layer has some seasoning so you get that good flavor thruout the dish.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 45 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

10. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, so the sauce thickens a bit and it’s easier to serve.

Enjoy these cheesy scalloped potatoes that are sure to become a hit at any meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (make sure its fully preheated to 375°F)
2. Baking dish (small enough to fit all layers, greased with melted butter)
3. Mixing bowl (for combining the heavy cream, milk, garlic, onion powder, and seasonings)
4. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure out the cream, milk, butter, and spices)
5. Knife (to mince garlic and if needed to help slice the russet potatoes thinly)
6. Pastry brush (for brushing the melted unsalted butter onto the potato layers)
7. Aluminum foil (to cover the dish while baking for the first part of the cooking time)
8. Spatula or whisk (for stirring the ingredients in the bowl evenly)

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe? A: Yeah, you can. If you dont got heavy cream on hand, try mixing extra milk with a bit of butter, but it might not be as creamy.

Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes? A: Not really. You can leave the skins on if you like the extra texture, but they tend to blend better when peeled.

Q: How do I know when it's done? A: Look for a golden bubbly top and make sure a knife goes through the potatoes pretty easily; usually about 60 mins at 375°F does the trick.

Q: Can I add extra herbs for flavor? A: Sure can, tossing in the 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or any herb ya like) works perfectly and ups the flavor game.

Q: Can I prep it ahead of time? A: Yep, you can assemble it the night before and just bake it later. Just keep its assembled dish in the fridge and add a few extra minutes in the oven if needed.

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are Perfection! Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can mix 1 cup of half & half with 2 tablespoons melted butter to get a similar richness.
Instead of whole milk, you can use 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter taste, though it may change the flavor a bit.
If you run out of fresh garlic, you could use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in its place.
For cheddar cheese, consider using a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby cheese for a similar melt and flavor.
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a good option, offering a sharper taste.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Before you even start layering, try soaking the potato slices in cold water for a bit. This helps get rid of extra starch so they cook more evenly and dont turn out mushy.

Tip 2: Taste your cream mixture before you pour it over the potatoes. You might need to add a little extra salt or pepper if it seems bland. This step really makes a difference in flavor across all the layers.

Tip 3: For an extra crispy top, try switching your oven to broil during the final few minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it like crazy cause it can burn super fast.

Tip 4: Once you pull it out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. That extra time lets the sauce thicken up which makes it easier to serve and keeps everything from sliding apart on your plate.