Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a warm and comforting dish! Layers of tender potatoes are smothered in a creamy garlic cheese sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
I can’t resist the cheesy goodness! When I prepare this dish, I always end up with a “just one more bite” situation. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights! 🥔🧄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Golds have a creamy texture and buttery flavor, while Russets are starchier and fluffier. If you can’t find either, you can use any similar variety, but avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes for this recipe.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor to the dish. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute, using about 1/8 teaspoon per clove, but fresh is definitely the way to go!
Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream make the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider half-and-half, or for dairy-free, use almond milk and a dairy-free cream alternative, but the texture might differ slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. If you want something milder, you can use medium cheddar, or mix in some colby jack for a twist. Just remember to keep it shredded for easier melting.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous element, but dried works fine too. Just use a bit less since it’s more concentrated. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary can be a good substitute, offering a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make the Cheese Sauce Smooth?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce is key to delicious scalloped potatoes! Start by making a roux with butter and flour; this thickens the sauce and keeps it silky. Gradually whisk in milk and cream to avoid lumps.
- Heat butter over medium heat until melted, then add minced garlic for flavor.
- Stir in flour to form a smooth paste, cooking briefly until golden.
- Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking continuously. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
- Finally, add cheese gradually and take off heat once melted, stirring until completely combined.
Keep the heat low while stirring to avoid scorching the sauce!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 25 minutes. Perfect for any family dinner or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to keep the cheesy goodness from sticking.
2. Making the Garlic Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Creating the Roux:
Next, whisk in the flour, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux) and starts to turn a light golden color. This step helps thicken your cheese sauce.
4. Whisking in the Cream:
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens up nicely.
5. Melting in the Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with all of the Gruyère (or mozzarella). Stir until everything melts together into a creamy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and thyme!
6. Layering the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to assemble! Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour a generous portion of that delicious cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
7. Repeating the Layers:
Continue layering the sliced potatoes and cheese sauce until you run out, finishing with a final layer of sliced potatoes on top. Pour any remaining cheese sauce evenly over that top layer.
8. Topping It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer for an extra cheesy crust!
9. Baking the Dish:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
10. Serving:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let the scalloped potatoes cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving warm—enjoy your cheesy creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other potato varieties! Yukon Golds are great for their creamy texture, while Russets are starchier. Just avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes as they won’t yield the same creamy result.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as instructed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
What Can I Serve With Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad, roast chicken, or grilled vegetables. It’s rich enough to be a star on its own, but it makes an excellent side dish for any hearty meal!
