Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting classic casserole featuring tender slices of russet potatoes layered with sweet yellow onions and smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is the ultimate side for family dinners or holiday meals, delivering creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Dairy & Fat
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Pantry & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Potatoes and Onions: Layer the potato slices and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, alternating between potato and onion slices to create a staggered pattern.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt continuously for one minute to form a roux. Gradually stir in the whole milk and cook the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese all at once, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Cover: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the arranged potatoes and onions in the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 85 to 90 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil, switch your oven to broil, and broil the casserole until the topping is golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste just before serving. Serve warm as a hearty side dish.
Notes
- These scalloped potatoes are perfect for cheese lovers looking for a rich, creamy comfort food side dish.
- Using whole milk and mild cheddar cheese gives the sauce a creamy texture and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with sharper cheeses for more punch.
- Letting the potatoes bake covered helps them cook evenly and become tender by trapping steam.
- Broiling at the end provides a delightful crispy cheese crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
