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- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup milk - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering these ingredients is simple and fun. Start with four large russet potatoes. Peel them and slice them into thin rounds. This will give the dish a nice texture. Next, you’ll need two cups of sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. Heavy cream and milk are key for creaminess. You need one cup of each. Unsalted butter, at four tablespoons, helps create a smooth sauce. You’ll also need three tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken it. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder and onion powder each need one teaspoon. They boost flavor without overpowering the dish. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika if you want a hint of color and smokiness. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. It makes your dish look and taste fresh. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the section above! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Create a roux by adding flour and whisking for 1-2 minutes until smooth. - In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, lay half of the sliced potatoes. - Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. - Pour half of the sauce over the cheese and potatoes. - Repeat with the remaining potato slices, cheese, and sauce. - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. - After 45 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown. - Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Whisking is key to a smooth sauce. It helps blend the butter and flour well. If you skip whisking, you may end up with lumps. To avoid lumps, add the cream slowly while whisking. This helps to keep everything nice and creamy. You can switch up the seasonings. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. If you want a bolder flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For cheese, sharp cheddar is great, but you can also use gouda or mozzarella. Mixing cheeses gives depth to the dish. If your dish is too watery, try baking it a bit longer. This will help thicken the sauce. You can also add a bit more cheese to absorb excess liquid. If your potatoes are undercooked, cover the dish and bake for another 10 minutes. This will help soften them without burning the top. {{image_4}} You can easily swap heavy cream or milk. Try using half-and-half or coconut milk. These alternatives keep the dish rich and creamy. Want to add some color? Toss in veggies like spinach or broccoli. They not only boost nutrition but also add a pop of green. Cheddar is a classic choice, but don’t stop there! Gouda adds a smoky flavor, while mozzarella gives a nice stretch. You can also mix cheeses for more depth. A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates a delightful texture and taste. Need a gluten-free option? Use cornstarch instead of flour for the sauce. It thickens without gluten. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream with cashew cream and use plant-based cheese. You can still enjoy creamy scalloped potatoes while keeping it plant-based. Explore these variations to find your perfect cheesy delight! For a complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This will keep the flavors intact. You can also cover the dish with plastic wrap if you prefer. Just be sure it is tight to avoid air exposure. The potatoes will stay good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. When reheating, avoid drying out your dish. Use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in small bursts and stir in between. This will help keep the texture nice. You can freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes, but there are some tips. It is best to freeze them after cooking. Let them cool first, then place in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave on defrost. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. Keep in mind that uncooked scalloped potatoes may not freeze well. They can become mushy when thawed. Yes, you can prep Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in advance. This makes meal time easier. To do this, prepare the layers and sauce, but don't bake them yet. Assemble everything in your baking dish, then cover it tightly. Store in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed. This method helps the flavors mix well. You can tell when the potatoes are done by checking for tenderness. After baking, use a fork to pierce the potatoes. They should feel soft and break apart easily. The top should also be golden brown. If the potatoes are still hard, continue to bake for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on the color of the top to avoid burning. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes go well with many main dishes. Here are some great options: - Roast chicken: The savory flavors balance nicely. - Grilled steak: Adds a hearty touch to the meal. - Baked ham: A classic pairing that many love. - Steamed green beans: The fresh crunch complements the creaminess. - Caesar salad: A crisp salad contrasts well with the rich potatoes. These pairings enhance the meal and create a satisfying dining experience. Enjoy! You’ve learned how to make creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes step by step. We covered the ingredients, useful tools, and tips for the best results. Don’t forget to try different cheeses and seasonings to make the dish your own. Store leftovers properly, and reheat them without losing flavor. Enjoy this hearty side dish with your favorite meals and make it a family favorite. Simple changes can add joy to your cooking. Happy baking!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Delight recipe! Made with layers of tender russet potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Easy to follow, this recipe guides you through creating a scrumptious side that will impress everyone.
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Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.

    In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, incorporate the flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms.

      Gradually add in the heavy cream and milk while continuing to whisk vigorously to ensure a lump-free mixture. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take around 4-5 minutes.

        Once thickened, mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika for added flavor and color. Remove the saucepan from heat.

          Take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and lay down half of the thinly sliced potatoes to create the first layer. Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer of potatoes.

            Next, pour half of the creamy sauce mixture generously over the cheese and potatoes, ensuring even coverage.

              Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese and finally the leftover cream mixture.

                Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook through.

                  After the initial 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil to expose the top of the dish. Return it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

                    Once baking is complete, let the dish sit for approximately 10 minutes to cool slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, refreshing touch.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

                        - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve individual portions of scalloped potatoes in small ramekins, or transfer the entirety to a decorative serving platter. Consider drizzling a bit of extra cream over the top and adding a final sprinkle of fresh parsley for an eye-catching finish that brightens the dish.