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- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, russet potatoes work best. They are starchy, which makes them soft and creamy after baking. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor. Whole milk and heavy cream create a smooth, velvety sauce. - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The chopped onion and minced garlic bring warmth to the dish. Dried thyme gives a hint of earthiness. Smoked paprika adds depth and a slight smokiness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste for the perfect balance. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Additional cheese for topping A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish. You can also add more cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. This makes it even more appealing and delicious. For the full recipe, you can refer to the recipe section above. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Generously grease it with butter. This helps the potatoes not to stick to the dish. Next, melt three tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it melts, add one finely chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves. Cook these for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and smell great. The fragrance adds depth to your dish. Now, it’s time to make the cream mixture. Gradually pour in one cup of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Season it with one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat this mix until it’s just warm. Avoid boiling it to keep the flavors fresh. Start layering your potatoes. Use four large russet potatoes, thinly sliced. Place the first layer in the greased dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour a thin layer of your creamy mixture over this layer. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the potatoes are soft. Once the 40 minutes are up, carefully remove the foil. Allow the dish to bake uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step gives a nice golden brown crust. When it's done, let it cool for about ten minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. You can find the full recipe for more details. You can adjust the creaminess of your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes easily. If you want a lighter dish, use more milk and less cream. This keeps the flavor but reduces the fat. For a richer taste, use all heavy cream. You can even mix in some sour cream for a tangy twist. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up. Try gouda for a smoky flavor or mozzarella for extra stretch. You can also blend cheeses for depth. Adding a little blue cheese brings a bold kick that many enjoy. Choosing the right potato is key. Russet potatoes are starchy and make for creamy layers. Yukon Golds are another great choice, offering a buttery taste. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling, as they won’t soften well. To prevent sogginess, slice your potatoes thinly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This allows them to cook evenly. Layer your potatoes loosely, giving them space to breathe. Also, make sure your cream mixture is not too watery; this helps keep the dish firm. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes pair well with roasted meats, like chicken or beef. They also complement grilled veggies nicely. For a festive touch, add a salad on the side to balance the richness. Serving ideas can enhance your dish's appeal. Try placing a sprig of fresh thyme on top for color. You can also drizzle a bit of truffle oil around the edges. For a family-style meal, serve in a large, shallow dish. This invites everyone to dig in and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided earlier. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of cheesy scalloped potatoes by using different cheeses. Try Gruyère for a nutty taste or mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Mixing cheeses can also create a new flavor profile that excites your palate. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and color. Spinach or broccoli can bring freshness to the dish. Layer them in with the potatoes. This adds flavor and makes your dish more vibrant and healthy. Want to take your cheesy scalloped potatoes to the next level? Add meats like crispy bacon or savory ham. These ingredients add depth and a satisfying crunch. They make the dish feel heartier and more filling. Don’t forget spices! A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth, while rosemary gives a fragrant touch. Experimenting with different spices can make your dish unique every time you cook it. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in the creamy mixture. This keeps the dish rich without the gluten. Always check labels to ensure safety. For a vegan twist, swap out the cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Nutritional yeast can bring a cheesy flavor that satisfies. These swaps let everyone enjoy the comfort of this dish. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. To keep your cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic works well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, the freezer is a great option. They can last for about two months when frozen. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You can use an oven or a microwave. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. In the microwave, put a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between. This keeps the texture and flavor intact. To freeze your cheesy scalloped potatoes, follow these steps: 1. Cool Completely: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. 2. Portion Out: Cut the potatoes into serving-sized pieces. 3. Wrap Tight: Use plastic wrap to cover each piece tightly. 4. Use a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or container. 5. Label and Date: Write the date on the bag for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. You can then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your creamy goodness even after days! You can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Both give a nice creaminess. Half-and-half has less fat but still works well. Coconut cream adds a unique taste and is great for dairy-free diets. Cheesy scalloped potatoes take about one hour to cook. You bake them covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps achieve that golden, bubbly top. Yes, you can prepare them ahead. Assemble the dish, then cover and store in the fridge. Bake when you are ready to serve. This makes meal prep easy for busy days. These potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh green salad. They also complement steamed veggies nicely. Yes, traditional ingredients are gluten-free. The main components are potatoes, cheese, and cream. Just ensure your seasonings and any added ingredients are also gluten-free. Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a simple yet delicious dish. We covered the core ingredients like potatoes and cheese, and how to prepare them step-by-step. Remember to sauté your aromatics for great flavor and layer well for even cooking. You can also modify the dish with different cheeses or add veggies. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you'll make a tasty side dish every time. Enjoy experimenting and happy cooking!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! This rich and creamy dish features layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, smothered in a savory mix of sharp cheddar cheese, milk, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is easy to follow and irresistibly delicious.
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Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating, take a 9x13 inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

      Cream Mixture: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Season this mixture with dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat until just warm, being careful not to bring it to a boil.

        Layering Potatoes: Start by arranging a layer of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them for an even coverage. Once the first layer is down, pour a thin layer of the creamy mixture over the potatoes, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

          Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining sliced potatoes, creamy mix, and cheese, ensuring that you finish with a hearty topping of cheese for that delicious, gooey finish.

            Baking Process: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.

              Final Browning: After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow the dish to bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and a beautiful golden brown crust forms atop the melted cheese.

                Serving: Once baked to perfection, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the scalloped potatoes in a shallow dish, and consider drizzling a little extra cream or olive oil around the edges for a beautiful presentation.