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Cheesy scalloped potatoes bring comfort to any table. They blend creamy cheese with tender potatoes. This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. You can find the full recipe at the end. To make cheesy scalloped potatoes, you need: - 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) These ingredients create layers of flavor and a rich texture that everyone loves. You can enhance the dish with a few simple add-ons: - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste - Sautéed onions for sweetness - Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for brightness - A sprinkle of paprika for color and taste Feel free to mix and match these add-ons to make the dish your own. Start by washing the potatoes. I like to use large russet potatoes. Slice them thinly; about 1/8 inch thick is perfect. Thin slices cook evenly and get creamy. In a big bowl, mix the sliced potatoes with minced garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until they are well coated. This mix adds flavor to every bite. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and heavy cream. This creamy mixture makes the dish rich. Pour it over the seasoned potatoes. Make sure all the slices are well covered. This step ensures every slice gets that creamy goodness. Grease a large baking dish with butter to stop sticking. Layer half of the potato mix in the dish. Now, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Add the rest of the potato mix on top. Pour any leftover cream mixture over everything. Finally, top with the rest of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get that creamy texture, use a mix of milk and heavy cream. The heavy cream adds richness, while the milk keeps it light. Make sure to coat the potatoes well. If the potatoes float, they won’t cook evenly. Keep an eye on the baking time. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil. Sharp cheddar is my top pick. It melts well and adds a nice flavor. You can also mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan on top. This gives a crunchy texture and adds depth. Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find your perfect blend. One big mistake is cutting the potatoes too thick. Thin slices cook better. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Potatoes need salt to bring out their flavor. Lastly, don’t skip resting time. Letting the dish sit helps it set. This makes it easier to serve. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add bacon or ham to your cheesy scalloped potatoes for a tasty twist. Just cook the bacon until crisp, then chop it into bits. If using ham, cut it into small pieces. Add these to the potato mixture before layering. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon or ham pairs well with the creamy cheese. This addition makes each bite even more comforting and rich. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste of your dish. Try adding rosemary, parsley, or chives. Chop the herbs finely and mix them into the potato layers. You can also sprinkle them on top before serving. The herbs bring a bright note to the rich cheese, balancing the flavors. Thyme is great, but don't be afraid to experiment with your favorites. To make a vegan version, swap dairy ingredients for plant-based options. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For the cream, try cashew cream or coconut cream. You can also use vegan cheese for that cheesy flavor. This version allows everyone to enjoy scalloped potatoes while meeting dietary needs. You can still add herbs and spices to keep the flavor bold. For the full recipe, check out the initial details. After you enjoy your cheesy scalloped potatoes, let them cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. If you have a big batch, it’s smart to store them in smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab a serving later. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese nice and melty. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save some cheesy scalloped potatoes for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, store them in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for even more space-saving. They will stay good for about two to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best taste. Enjoy your cheesy goodness anytime! You can find the full recipe here. Yes, you can use many types of potatoes. I prefer russet potatoes because they are starchy. They create a soft texture. You can also use Yukon Gold for a creamy taste. Red potatoes hold their shape well, adding a nice contrast. Just remember to slice them thinly, so they cook evenly. To make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time, prepare the dish as usual. Layer the potatoes and cheese, but do not bake them. Cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold. Reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven, covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the texture better. This article covered everything you need for creamy scalloped potatoes. I shared the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about fun variations like adding bacon or using vegan options. I also explained how to store and reheat leftovers properly. Now, you can make delicious scalloped potatoes with confidence. Enjoy crafting your own tasty dish!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy scalloped potatoes delight that everyone will love! This creamy and cheesy dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With layers of russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a touch of garlic and thyme, it’s comfort food at its best. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is easy to follow.
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Ingredients
  

3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, minced garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

      Make the Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Pour this mixture over the seasoned potato slices, ensuring they are well submerged.

        Butter the Bake Dish: Grease a large baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Layer half of the potato mixture evenly in the dish.

          Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer of potatoes. Add the remaining potato mixture on top of the cheese.

            Top with Cheese and Bake: Pour any remaining cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.

                Rest and Serve: Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in the baking dish for a rustic look, or scoop into individual bowls and garnish with fresh thyme for added color and aroma.