Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

An easy and delicious side dish perfect for the holidays or any weeknight dinner! These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes feature thinly sliced Yukon potatoes baked in a velvety garlic-infused cheese sauce until bubbling and golden. Comforting, flavorful, and 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 Sauce
• For the Cheeses
• 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: Assemble Your Dish
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• With Roasted Meats
• As Part of a Holiday Spread
• Accompanied by Fresh Salads
• Perfect for Comfort Food Nights
• 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
• How do I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes creamy?
• Can I add vegetables to my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
• What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
• How can I spice up my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of garlic and three types of cheese creates a rich and savory taste that elevates any meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to whip up an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or casual dinners, these scalloped potatoes pair well with a variety of main courses.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is bound to be a hit at your next gathering.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, having the right tools is essential for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 9 x 13 casserole dish
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife: Ensures evenly sliced potatoes for consistent cooking.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce without burning it.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth cheese sauce by mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• 9 x 13 casserole dish: Provides ample space for layering the potatoes and cheese sauce.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

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

For the 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

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your dish bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

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

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft but not browned.

Next, stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add in the milk, chicken broth, thyme, and salt while stirring continuously. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until combined (it’s okay if some cheese doesn’t fully melt).

Step 4: Assemble Your Dish

Lightly grease your 9 x 13 casserole dish. Begin by layering 1/3 of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish. Follow with 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with remaining cheese sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Let your cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to set up nicely.

Enjoy this delightful side dish that promises comfort with every bite!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these potatoes can elevate any plate. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Roasted Meats

• Roasted Chicken: The creamy texture complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
• Grilled Steak: Pairing with steak adds a rich and hearty element to your meal.

As Part of a Holiday Spread

• Thanksgiving Turkey: This dish makes an excellent alternative to traditional mashed potatoes during Thanksgiving.
• Christmas Ham: The cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with the sweet and smoky flavors of glazed ham.

Accompanied by Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Mixed Greens: Light and refreshing, mixed greens add color and freshness to your plate.

Perfect for Comfort Food Nights

• With Meatloaf: Serve alongside classic meatloaf for a comforting, home-cooked meal.
• As a Standalone Dish: Enjoy them on their own for a satisfying vegetarian option.

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How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Boldly season your layers: Sprinkle salt and pepper between potato layers for enhanced flavor.
• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to cool slightly helps set the sauce for easier serving.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Cover while baking initially: This helps cook the potatoes evenly without burning the top too quickly.
• Slice uniformly: Consistent potato thickness ensures even cooking throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes can shine alongside other dishes. Here’s a list of fantastic sides that complement this creamy delight.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread adds texture and flavor, making it perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh steamed broccoli brings a pop of color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of scalloped potatoes.
3. Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots provide contrast in flavor and sweetness, enhancing the overall meal experience.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the potatoes.
5. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans pair wonderfully for a hearty, comforting meal that feels homey.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and is great for summer barbecues when served with scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal for this dish. Stick with Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Cutting potatoes too thick: Slicing your potatoes too thick can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for 1/8-inch slices for the perfect texture.
• Skipping the cheese sauce layer: Ensure you coat each potato layer with cheese sauce. Missing this step can result in dry spots.
• Underbaking the dish: Make sure to bake long enough for the potatoes to become tender and for the top to turn golden. Trust your oven’s timing!
• Not letting it cool: Allowing the dish to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• If freezing, use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• These scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes creamy?

To achieve creaminess, ensure you use enough cheese in your sauce. A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich flavor.

Can I add vegetables to my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are pre-cooked before layering.

What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?

These scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad as a side.

How can I spice up my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also complement this dish well.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, offering comfort and richness that everyone will love. This versatile recipe allows for customization, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins. Give it a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!