Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

An easy and delicious side dish, Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for the holidays or any weeknight dinner! This recipe features thinly sliced Yukon potatoes baked in a velvety garlic-infused cheese sauce until bubbling and golden. Comforting and flavorful, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress any crowd.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Potatoes
• For the Cheese Sauce
• For the Cheeses
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
• Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
• Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Pair with Grilled Meats
• Add Fresh Salads
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables
• Incorporate Bread
• How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Reheating Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
• What cheeses work best for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
• How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
• Can I add vegetables or meat to this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and three types of cheese creates an irresistible taste that elevates any meal.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make it easy to whip up this dish, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as a comforting weeknight treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Casserole dish (9 x 13)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Mandoline slicer: Ensures uniform potato slices for even cooking and perfect texture.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce without splattering.
• Casserole dish: A large enough vessel to layer your potatoes and sauce while baking.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2.5–3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (1/8 inch; no need to peel)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cheeses

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Scrub and clean the potatoes thoroughly.
2. Slice them into 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft but not browned.
3. Stir in the flour to form a roux.
4. Gradually add milk and chicken broth while stirring continuously.
5. Add thyme and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook until slightly thickened.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until combined.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
2. Layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish.
3. Pour over 1/3 of the cheese sauce.
4. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with remaining cheese sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 35–45 minutes or until golden brown on top and fork-tender.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set nicely.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, a guaranteed hit at any table!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Steak – The rich flavors of cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes complement a juicy steak perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken – A simple grilled chicken breast lets the cheesy potatoes shine as the star of the plate.

Add Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine and the tangy dressing contrast nicely with the creamy potatoes.
• Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts adds depth to your meal.
• Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness that pairs well with cheesy potatoes.

Incorporate Bread

• Garlic Bread – For those who love garlic, this combo is a match made in heaven.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls can be used to scoop up the cheesy goodness, enhancing the dining experience.

How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Achieving the ultimate cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes is all about technique. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes – Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold up during baking.
• Slice Evenly – Ensure uniform slices (1/8 inch) for even cooking throughout the dish.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce – Allowing your sauce to thicken slightly ensures it coats each potato slice perfectly.
• Layer Generously – Properly layering potatoes and sauce helps infuse flavor throughout each bite.
• Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to cool for 10 minutes after baking helps set up the cheese sauce, making serving easier.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes can be complemented by several delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned and grilled, asparagus adds a fresh crunch to your meal.
2. Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs – Juicy chicken thighs infused with herbs create a hearty pairing.
3. Balsamic Glazed Green Beans – These tangy green beans add brightness and color to your plate.
4. Creamy Coleslaw – A cool and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to cheesy potatoes.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for a filling accompaniment.
6. Spinach Salad with Feta – A spinach salad topped with feta cheese gives a nice zing and balances the richness of the potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong potato type: Not all potatoes are created equal for this dish. Stick to Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and flavor.
• Skipping the cheese sauce: Failing to prepare enough cheese sauce will result in dry potatoes. Always ensure you have enough sauce to coat all layers.
• Not layering properly: Overcrowding the casserole dish can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to layer the potatoes and cheese sauce evenly.
• Baking without foil: Removing the foil too early can cause the top to brown too quickly while leaving the insides undercooked. Cover with foil for the first half of baking.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the dish immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Allowing it to cool for 10 minutes helps set the sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary, and stir until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra few minutes of cook time.

What cheeses work best for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?

A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. You can experiment with other cheeses as well!

How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?

Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and allow them enough time in the oven to absorb moisture. Using less milk or broth also helps achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I add vegetables or meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, bacon, or even ham can be great additions that enhance flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes make an irresistible side dish that pairs well with various main courses. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. We encourage you to give it a try—it’s sure to impress at any gathering!

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