Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes and onions baked in a creamy, rich cheddar cheese sauce. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden on top, this comforting side dish combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying dish ideal for family dinners or holiday meals.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Potatoes and Onions
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange potatoes and onions: Alternately layer the sliced potatoes and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, staggering them to distribute evenly.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for about one minute to form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the room temperature whole milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in all the shredded mild cheddar cheese at once. Continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly, about 30-60 seconds.
- Combine and cover: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the arranged potatoes and onions in the casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Broil for topping: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil. Place the uncovered dish under the broiler and broil until the top is golden brown and crisp, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Season and serve: Remove from the oven, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use room temperature milk to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the top from drying out.
- Broiling at the end adds a delicious crunchy cheese crust.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Keywords: Cheesy scalloped potatoes, baked potatoes, cheddar cheese sauce, creamy potato casserole