Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender layers of sliced russet potatoes and onions baked in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. With a perfectly golden, bubbly top and a smooth, velvety texture inside, this comforting casserole is an ideal side dish for any occasion.
- 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 Onion
- 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 oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange potatoes and onions: Layer the sliced potatoes and onions in the prepared dish, alternating between potato slices and onion rings for even distribution of flavors.
- Make cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for one minute to form a roux.
- Thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the room temperature milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, then immediately stir in all the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Combine and cover: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover the casserole 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: Remove the foil, set the oven to broil, and broil the casserole until the top turns golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Season and serve: Season the scalloped potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use room temperature milk to ensure a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
- Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture as they absorb the sauce well.
- Covering with foil while baking prevents the top from drying out before the potatoes cook through.
- Broiling at the end creates an appetizing golden crust for texture contrast.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, potato casserole, baked potatoes, comfort food, cheddar cheese, side dish