Side Dish & Snacks

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoe Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Name: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoe Recipe – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups whole milk, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Rosa Crumley February 26, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the creamy layers of cheesy scalloped potatoes, let’s chat about what to pair with this delightful dish. Lucky for us, its rich flavors and textures fit seamlessly into various meals. Picture a juicy grilled chicken breast with just the right amount of seasoning.

Or imagine a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the creaminess of the potatoes with a refreshing crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts sprinkled with Parmesan adds a delightful touch of nuttiness.

And for those summer BBQ evenings, barbecued ribs will elevate your culinary experience to a whole new level.

Why This Cheesy Scalloped Potato Recipe is Perfect for You

Now, I’m excited to share this recipe for cheesy scalloped potatoes. Why? Because it’s comfort food at its finest. There’s something magical about layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a fantastic side that can accompany so many main courses. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself on a cozy evening, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction.

I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to ensure it’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make.

How I Use the Ingredients

Let’s talk about the colorful cast of ingredients that star in this dish. First, there’s the unassuming yellow onion. Sautéing it transforms its sharpness into a soft, sweet element that takes the overall flavor up a notch. Next, we have russet potatoes, which are the backbone of this dish. Their starch helps create the creamy texture we crave.

The unsalted butter, flour, and whole milk form the holy grail of a cheese sauce. When combined properly, this trio results in a luscious, velvety sauce. Then there’s cheese – mild cheddar in this case – because let’s face it, what’s scalloped potatoes without cheese?

The smoked paprika and Dijon mustard add a layer of depth; they’re like the wizards of flavor in this dish. Freshly cracked black pepper rounds everything off nicely.

Ingredient List

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for cheesy scalloped potatoes:

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds (approximately 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Let’s get to the good stuff: the cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven is ready to work its magic once your dish is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While the oven is heating, take your russet potatoes and peel them. It may seem tedious, but I promise it’s worth it. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into even rounds about ¼ inch thick. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Next, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the sliced yellow onion and sauté until they’re translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, getting you even more excited about this dish.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Time to make the cheese sauce! In the same skillet, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring continuously to break up any lumps. Your goal here is a smooth, bubbly mixture.

Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Then, mix in the salt, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and half of the grated cheese—reserve the other half for topping.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, spread a layer of the potato slices. Pour a portion of that delicious cheese sauce over the potatoes. Keep layering until all potatoes and sauce have been used. This should create a beautiful cascade of flavors.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of your creation. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can add a little extra paprika for color and flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. It’s best to let this cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
Russet Potatoes: The starchiness is perfect for creaminess.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich flavor while allowing you to control the salt content.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
Kosher Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement.
Whole Milk: Gives the sauce creaminess—don’t skimp on this!
Mild Cheddar Cheese: The classic choice; its creaminess works perfectly.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness.
Dijon Mustard: Offers a hint of tang that brightens the dish.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Complements the flavors wonderfully.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations to consider:

Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss for a different twist.
Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor.
Vegetables: Layer in some spinach or kale for an extra health boost.
Protein Boost: Add cooked bacon bits or leftover chicken to make it heartier.
Spices: A pinch of nutmeg can add an incredible warmth.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk and cheese substitute.

Conclusion

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a warm hug on a plate. This recipe has seen a twist or two over the years, but the core elements—the creamy sauce and tender potatoes—remain the same.

Whether you’re having a cozy dinner by yourself or entertaining friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The wonderful thing about cooking is that it can bring people together, and cheesy scalloped potatoes do just that.

So roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoe Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dish & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 346 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Before diving into the creamy layers of cheesy scalloped potatoes, let's chat about what to pair with this delightful dish. Lucky for us, its rich flavors and textures fit seamlessly into various meals. Picture a juicy grilled chicken breast with just the right amount of seasoning.