Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting classic with tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. This dish makes a perfect side for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, chopped into 1″ pieces
• 2 tbsp. light butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-fat milk (1%)
• 1 lb. russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped chives or scallions
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Step 2: In another large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly into coins using a knife or mandolin for even slices.
5. Step 5: Spoon a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Add a single layer of potato slices over the sauce.
6. Step 6: Spoon more sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces. Repeat layering potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon 3 to 4 times or until the dish is mostly full.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes evenly and thinly for consistent cooking.
• Substitute crispy cooked pancetta or ham for bacon for a different smoky flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the sauce for added depth.
• For a richer dish, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of low-fat milk.
• Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for an extra cheesy finish.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy nature, which helps the slices stay tender and absorb the sauce well.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a comforting classic casserole featuring tender russet potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a delicious side dish perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, chopped into 1” pieces
• 2 tbsp light butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-fat milk (1%)
• 1 lb russet potatoes, rinsed and scrubbed clean
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped chives or scallions
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon pieces until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
2. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In another large skillet over medium heat, melt the light butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
3. Slice Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly into coins about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandolin slicer if available for uniform slices.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spoon a thin layer of the prepared cheese sauce into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Layer a single layer of potato slices on top of the sauce. Spoon more sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and some of the crispy bacon pieces. Repeat layering potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon 3 to 4 times, filling the casserole dish mostly full.
5. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Rest and Garnish: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to set the layers. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped chives or scallions on top for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Using a mandolin slicer helps achieve evenly thin potato slices which cook uniformly.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and the casserole to hold its shape better when served.
• You can substitute bacon with pancetta or omit it for a vegetarian version (adjusting seasoning accordingly).
• This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
• myWW points: green 6, blue 6, purple 5

Keywords: Cheesy scalloped potatoes, baked potato casserole, low-fat cheesy potatoes, comfort food side dish, bacon scalloped potatoes