Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of cheese with the earthy flavors of tender potatoes. This dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious, savory sauce, creating layers of indulgent flavor. The addition of garlic and cheese not only elevates the taste but also brings an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. Perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or special occasions, cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes offer a hearty side dish that pairs wonderfully with main courses like roast meats, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad for lighter meals.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility; you can adjust the flavors based on your preferences, whether you’re after a richer cheese blend or a bit more heat with added seasonings. The combination of creamy textures, flavorful cheese, and savory garlic makes cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes a dish everyone will love, turning any meal into a comforting celebration.

History of Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, also known as “au gratin potatoes” in some regions, have been a beloved dish for centuries. The term “scalloped” refers to the method of baking sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, typically made from milk or cream, often seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter. Though the exact origins are unclear, it is believed that the dish dates back to French cuisine in the 18th century, where it was served as a side dish during formal meals. Over time, it spread across Europe and later to North America, where variations began to emerge.

The introduction of cheese to scalloped potatoes likely occurred in the 19th century, as cheese became more commonly used in French and British kitchens. The garlic-infused version, popularized in modern-day cooking, adds an extra layer of flavor, making it even more decadent. Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are now a popular variation, cherished for their creamy texture and bold taste, often appearing on festive tables during the holidays or at family gatherings.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Russet Potatoes
  Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for scalloped potatoes because of their high starch content, which creates a creamy and smooth texture when baked. Their dry, fluffy nature helps the sauce soak into the layers of the potatoes, resulting in a rich, satisfying dish. Russets also hold up well during baking, ensuring the slices stay tender yet firm. When sliced thin (about ⅛ inch), they cook evenly, allowing the layers to meld together for the perfect bite. Other potato varieties, like Yukon Gold, can be used but may result in a slightly different texture, making Russets the go-to choice for classic scalloped potatoes.
• Onions & Garlic
  Onions and garlic are the flavor foundations of cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes. Onions, when sautéed, bring a mild sweetness and depth, complementing the richness of the cheese. Garlic, on the other hand, offers an aromatic punch that elevates the dish to a whole new level. When both are sautéed together in butter, they create a fragrant base that permeates the entire dish. The balance between the earthy, savory taste of garlic and the natural sweetness of onions is essential in bringing out the savory complexity of the cheese sauce.
• Butter and Flour
  The butter and flour combination forms the roux, which thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the potato slices. Butter adds richness and flavor, while flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce reaches the perfect consistency—neither too runny nor too thick. The roux serves as the base for the creamy sauce, allowing for the smooth incorporation of vegetable broth and cream. Without this step, the sauce would lack the velvety texture that makes scalloped potatoes so satisfying. This technique is key to creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that holds the dish together.
• Vegetable Broth & Heavy Cream
  Vegetable broth and heavy cream are the main liquids used in the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture. The vegetable broth provides a subtle, savory base flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients. Heavy cream, on the other hand, brings the necessary richness and creaminess that makes the sauce indulgent and luxurious. Together, they form the perfect balance of light and creamy, contributing to the luscious texture that binds the potatoes and cheese together. The mixture also ensures the sauce is smooth, thickening as it cooks, enveloping each layer of potato in creamy goodness.
• Cheeses: Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan
  The blend of cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan cheeses creates a perfect balance of flavors in cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes. Cheddar, with its sharp, tangy taste, forms the base of the cheese sauce, contributing both richness and depth. Pepper jack, known for its slightly spicy and creamy profile, adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish. Parmesan offers a nutty, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheddar and pepper jack. The combination of these three cheeses provides a dynamic range of flavors, ensuring every bite is a satisfying blend of savory, creamy, and a hint of spice.
• Seasonings (Slap Ya Mama® and Salt/Pepper)
  Seasonings like Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, salt, and pepper are essential for giving the cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes a flavorful kick. Slap Ya Mama® is a blend of Cajun-inspired spices that bring a subtle heat and a layer of complexity without overpowering the dish. Salt enhances all the flavors, drawing out the natural sweetness of the onions and garlic while balancing the richness of the cream and cheese. Pepper adds a mild spiciness, complementing the garlic and cheese, while also adding a little zing to the overall taste. Together, these seasonings elevate the dish from basic to bold.
• Sour Cream
  Sour cream is a key ingredient in cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, contributing a tangy richness that helps to balance the richness of the cheese and the heaviness of the cream. Its acidity cuts through the fat, creating a lighter mouthfeel without sacrificing creaminess. The sour cream also adds an extra layer of flavor, complementing the garlic and cheese with its subtle tartness. When layered into the dish, it helps the sauce hold together and ensures that every bite is creamy and flavorful, with a slight tang that brightens the overall dish.

 Tools and Equipment

To make cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, you’ll need a few essential tools. A 14 x 11½ x 2¼-inch baking dish is ideal for even layering and ensuring the potatoes cook properly without overcrowding. For sautéing onions and garlic, a large sauté pan will help you control the heat, ensuring they cook evenly without burning. A grater is essential for finely shredding the cheeses, especially for getting that perfect melt in the sauce. Lastly, measuring cups and spoons are crucial for accuracy, ensuring you use the right proportions of ingredients, especially when it comes to seasonings and liquids.

This section provides a comprehensive introduction and background on cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, delving into its key ingredients and their roles in making this dish so indulgent.

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Step-by-Step Instructions & Tips

Prepping the Potatoes

To achieve perfectly cooked cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, proper potato preparation is crucial. Begin by peeling the Russet potatoes (or leave the skins on if you prefer a rustic look). Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds. Thin slices allow the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the rich cheese sauce, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. The thinner the slices, the quicker they cook, helping to avoid overcooking the top while allowing the potatoes to become tender throughout.

Preventing browning: After slicing, the exposed potato surfaces will quickly begin to brown. To prevent this, immediately place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water. This helps to reduce oxidation. Alternatively, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap if you need to set the potatoes aside for a short period before assembling the dish.

Using Russet potatoes is key, as their high starch content gives the dish the perfect creamy texture and allows the sauce to adhere well. Their fluffy, starchy nature also holds up during baking, giving the dish a rich, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without becoming mushy.

Preparing the Onion and Garlic Mixture

Sautéing the onions and garlic is an essential step to infuse the dish with aromatic flavor. Start by melting butter in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and soft. This step helps release the natural sugars in the onions, providing a sweet, mellow base for your sauce.

Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Garlic can quickly turn bitter if it’s overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on it. The key is to cook it just enough to release its oils and fragrance without letting it brown too much. If you notice it beginning to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

The combination of sweet onions and aromatic garlic will form a flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce, providing a rich base for the rest of the ingredients.

Making the Sauce

Creating the sauce is one of the most critical aspects of this recipe, as it brings all the flavors together and gives the dish its signature creaminess. The process begins by creating a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour used to thicken the sauce.

In the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic, sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour. The butter and flour will come together to form a paste-like consistency, which will eventually thicken the sauce.

Gradually pour in vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. The broth adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors. Next, pour in heavy cream, which will provide the creamy base for the sauce. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, usually just before it reaches a boil.

If the sauce doesn’t thicken as expected, you can increase the heat slightly or cook it for a bit longer. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. At this point, the sauce should be creamy and slightly thicker than the consistency of a typical gravy, ready to coat the potatoes.

Layering the Potatoes and Cheese

The layering process is essential for creating a uniform dish where each bite is full of cheesy goodness and creamy potatoes. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing your baking dish with non-stick spray. This ensures that the potatoes won’t stick and helps with the easy removal of the dish after baking.

Begin by placing a layer of sliced potatoes (about ⅓ of the total amount) at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread ⅓ of the sour cream evenly on top of the potatoes, followed by ⅓ of the cheese sauce. This helps the potatoes to absorb the flavors while creating a rich, creamy texture. Sprinkle ⅓ of the grated cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.

Repeat the layers twice, ensuring that each layer is evenly spread and not too thick. The key to achieving a perfect texture is to alternate between the sauce and cheese layers, ensuring each potato slice is covered in the creamy mixture. By repeating the layering process, you allow the sauce and cheeses to bake into the potatoes, creating the iconic rich, cheesy texture of scalloped potatoes.

Baking the Scalloped Potatoes

Baking is the final step in the process, where the magic happens. Once all the layers are assembled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the steam, ensuring that the potatoes cook through and soften evenly without drying out. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your potato slices and your oven, so check the potatoes at the 1.5-hour mark.

To test if the potatoes are done, gently insert a fork into the center of the dish. The potatoes should be fork-tender, meaning they should break apart easily with a little pressure. If they’re still firm, cover them back up and continue baking for another 20 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly. This will give the dish a golden, crispy top, which adds a delicious texture contrast to the creamy layers below.

Browning the Cheese

Achieving a perfectly golden-brown cheese crust is what transforms cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes from a simple dish to something spectacular. About 15-20 minutes before the potatoes are done, remove the aluminum foil. This allows the cheese on top to bake to a crispy, golden perfection.

The goal is to get the cheese to bubble and form a rich crust without letting it burn. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. If the cheese starts to get too dark too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly to prevent it from burning. It’s important to let the cheese brown evenly so that each serving gets a portion of the crispy top.

Once the cheese has turned a beautiful golden-brown and bubbly, you’re ready to take the dish out of the oven. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and avoid the dish falling apart when served.

Serving and Storing Tips

After baking, allow the cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes to sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and ensures the dish doesn’t fall apart when cut. The creamy sauce will firm up a bit, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Serving suggestions: These scalloped potatoes are perfect as a side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or alongside a weeknight roast chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.

For leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Freezing is another option for longer storage. Just make sure the dish is completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen, covered with foil, for about an hour.

Variations on the Recipe

Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are highly versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious tweaks based on your preferences.

• Adding Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the dish. Simply cook the bacon until crisp, chop it up, and sprinkle it over the layers before baking. The salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes and cheese.
• Using Different Cheeses: While cheddar and pepper jack are the stars of this dish, you can experiment with different cheeses. Gouda adds a creamy, buttery flavor, while mozzarella gives a gooey, stretchy texture. Swiss cheese offers a slightly nutty flavor, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, swap out the heavy cream, butter, and cheese for vegan alternatives. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for the sauce, and vegan cheese brands that melt well for the cheese layer. Nutritional yeast can be added to mimic the cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes as an alternative to Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds have a creamy, buttery texture and a slightly sweeter flavor. However, they are waxier than Russets, so the final dish may be a little less fluffy but still rich and flavorful. Russets are preferred for their superior ability to absorb the sauce and create a creamy texture.

How can I make the scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, bake as directed, but increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure it heats through properly. Alternatively, you can partially bake and finish the next day.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Slap Ya Mama® seasoning?

If you don’t have Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, you can substitute with Creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning, both of which offer a similar balance of heat and flavor. Alternatively, make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for a similar result.

Can I freeze cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour, removing the foil halfway through to allow the cheese to brown.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

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• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 mins

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Description

This Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a comforting, rich, and indulgent dish perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a crowd-pleasing side.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lbs Russet potatoes, sliced ⅛” thick
• 2 cups onions, chopped small
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup butter (½ stick)
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• 8 oz sour cream
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated, divided
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 14 x 11½ x 2¼-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into approximately ⅛” thick slices. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and set aside for later.

3️⃣ Sauté onions and garlic: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4️⃣ Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Add the salt, pepper, and Slap Ya Mama® seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens, just before it starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

5️⃣ Layer the potatoes: In the prepared baking dish, place ⅓ of the sliced potatoes. Spread ⅓ of the sour cream over the potatoes, followed by ⅓ of the cheese sauce. Top with ⅓ of the Parmesan cheese, ⅓ of the pepper jack cheese, and ⅓ of the cheddar cheese.

6️⃣ Repeat the layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.

7️⃣ Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.

8️⃣ Brown the cheese: About 15-20 minutes before the potatoes are done, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

9️⃣ Finish and serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy, cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes!

Notes

• The addition of Slap Ya Mama® seasoning gives a nice Cajun kick, but feel free to adjust or swap for a different seasoning if desired.
• Letting the dish sit after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, then baked when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours