Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: A Comforting Classic Everyone Will Love

Imagine the aroma of freshly sautéed garlic and onion wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful meal. Each layer of tender potatoes bathed in creamy goodness promises a bite that is both satisfying and flavorful. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds, and perhaps even thirds!

Ingredients for Your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

To create a truly unforgettable cheesy scalloped potatoes dish, you need quality ingredients that deliver flavor and richness. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy delight:

• 6 medium to large potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for the perfect creamy texture. These potatoes hold their shape while absorbing the luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• 3 tablespoons butter: This adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste. It also helps to sauté the onions and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness.
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a bold aroma and depth of flavor, setting the foundation for your creamy sauce.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onions provide sweetness and a touch of savoriness, balancing the richness of the cheeses and cream.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the dish, heavy cream delivers a luxurious creaminess that binds the layers together and elevates the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup milk: This lightens the dish slightly while contributing to the overall creaminess. The combination of milk and cream ensures a perfect texture.
• 2 egg yolks: These act as a natural thickener, helping to create a velvety sauce that clings to the potatoes and adds richness.
• 3 1/2 tablespoons ricotta cheese: This cheese adds a mild, creamy element that enriches the dish. Its unique texture helps create a beautifully layered experience.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring that every bite is well-seasoned and satisfying.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture that everyone loves in cheesy scalloped potatoes.
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and a hint of spice, elevating the flavor profile to a whole new level. It’s a subtle addition that can make a big difference.
• 5 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese: This cheese provides a rich, salty flavor that complements the creaminess of the other cheeses, adding depth and a delightful finishing touch.
• Chives (optional for garnish): Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish, making it visually appealing and adding a fresh finish.
• Cooking spray for the baking dish: Ensures easy removal of the cheesy scalloped potatoes from the dish, allowing for clean servings and minimizing cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Creating the perfect cheesy scalloped potatoes is a straightforward process that promises delicious results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your dish is a hit at the table:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin slices. Using a mandolin is ideal for achieving uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking. To keep your sliced potatoes from turning brown, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water and a splash of lemon juice. This simple step preserves their fresh appearance and flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking. This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, bubbly top while ensuring the potatoes cook thoroughly.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and adds a delicious base flavor to your dish.
4. Blend the Creamy Mixture: In a blender, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack (or Swiss) cheese, 3 1/2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg. Add the cooked onion and garlic from the pan. Blend until all ingredients are smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of your scalloped potatoes, providing richness and flavor.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously spray a glass or ceramic baking dish (8 x 13 inches) with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your cheesy scalloped potatoes come out beautifully when it’s time to serve.
6. Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering by placing a single layer of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Pour a portion of the blended cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process to create 3-4 layers. While you don’t need to add Parmesan to every layer, it’s essential to pour the cream mixture over each one to ensure the potatoes are fully coated.
7. Finish the Layers: On the final layer, pour the remaining cream mixture generously over the top. Add a hefty sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that deliciously crispy and cheesy topping. If desired, finish with a few chopped chives for a fresh touch.
8. Microwave Cooking: For an initial cook, place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 5 minutes. This step helps kick-start the cooking process and softens the potatoes.
9. Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. The foil ensures the potatoes cook evenly and don’t dry out.
10. Final Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes. This allows the top to become golden and bubbly, creating that irresistible crust.
11. Check for Doneness: To ensure the potatoes are tender, insert a knife into the center. It should slide through with no resistance. Depending on your oven, you may need to bake for an extra 10 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.