Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Layering creamy cheese and delectable garlic scalloped potatoes creates a mouthwatering side dish that promises pure comfort.

Potato slices nestle between rich, velvety sauce and melted cheese for an irresistible experience.

Crisp edges and tender centers make this classic recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary dish that feels both elegant and homey.

Sharp cheddar and subtle garlic notes provide depth and complexity to every forkful.

We bet you cannot resist seconds of this indulgent potato masterpiece.

Key Ingredients Used in Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that create the hearty base of this creamy, cheesy dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides rich flavor and smooth texture to the scalloped potatoes.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind the sauce together.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the potato dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Additional cheeses that add complexity and create a golden, crispy top layer.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a creamy texture between potato layers.

• Butter: Helps sauté aromatics and adds richness to the sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base for the sauce and adds subtle flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

Detailed Directions for Preparing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 14 x 11 x 2 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Carefully peel and slice potatoes into thin, uniform pieces. Place the sliced potatoes in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In a large frying pan, melt butter over low heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Develop the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Add salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat just before boiling. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Begin Layering

• Arrange a portion of potato slices
• Spread a layer of sour cream
• Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes

Step 7: Add Cheese Toppings

• Parmesan cheese
• Pepper jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring the final top layer is covered with cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours.

Step 10: Crisp the Cheese Topping

During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become slightly crispy.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Insider Secrets for Creamy Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline slicer for precise, thin potato slices that will cook evenly and create a smooth layered appearance.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that enhances the overall richness of the scalloped potatoes.
• Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, keeping in mind the sauce might be slightly less creamy.

Creative Variations of Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Southwestern Spice Sensation: Replace cheddar with pepper jack and add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Herb Garden Elegance: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the cheese sauce, using a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for a sophisticated herbal profile.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp and crumble bacon between potato layers, adding smoky depth and extra richness to the classic scalloped potato recipe.
• Vegetable Medley Mix-In: Introduce thinly sliced mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers between potato layers for a nutritious and colorful variation.

Delicious Pairings to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the cheesy potatoes and complement their creamy texture.
• Serve alongside Roasted Herb Chicken: Prepare a simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme to balance the potatoes' intense cheese and garlic flavors, creating a harmonious main course.
• Match with Green Salad: Create a light, tangy mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the heavy, decadent scalloped potatoes and cleanse the palate between bites.

Best Practices for Storing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent potatoes from becoming tough.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They work well for scalloped potatoes and provide a creamy, smooth texture.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother and more traditional scalloped potato dish, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic look and extra nutrients.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the vegetable broth with a vegetarian alternative and ensure the cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. The basic recipe structure remains the same.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?

Use non-stick spray or butter the baking dish thoroughly before layering the potatoes to ensure easy serving and cleanup.

Why Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Are a Crowd-Pleaser

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a creamy, cheesy potato dish that hugs your taste buds with warm, rich flavors perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Designed to feed a large group, this recipe serves generously and works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
• Layered Flavor Explosion: Multiple cheese varieties and carefully sautéed onions and garlic create a complex, depth-filled taste experience that elevates standard potato side dishes.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Straightforward layering method makes this recipe approachable for home cooks of intermediate skill levels, requiring basic kitchen techniques and minimal specialized equipment.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes promise creamy comfort with layers of golden potato perfection. Sizzling cheese and aromatic garlic invite you to savor each delectable, rich bite of this classic side dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) russet potatoes, sliced thick
• 3 cups (340 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup (113 grams) pepper jack cheese, grated
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups (240 grams) onions, chopped small
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter
• 1 cup (120 grams) flour
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and coating a 14 x 11 x 2 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Carefully peel and slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat and sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Dust flour over the aromatic onion mixture, stirring and cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour vegetable broth into the pan, incorporating salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, removing from heat just before boiling, then fold in cheddar cheese until smooth.
6. Create the first layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, spreading a portion of sour cream and cheese sauce evenly across the potatoes.
7. Sprinkle a layer of Parmesan, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses over the sauce.
8. Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring the final top layer is covered with cheddar cheese.
9. Seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours.
10. During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust.
11. Once done, remove from oven and let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

• Use starchy, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture and creamy consistency.
• Slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and consistent layers throughout the dish.
• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning or becoming bitter.
• Whisk flour and cream carefully to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce base.
• Allow dish to rest after baking so cheese sauce can set and become more stable for easier serving.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing different types like gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
• Lower calorie version: substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses.
• Make dish vegetarian by replacing vegetable broth with mushroom broth for deeper umami flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg