These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. With thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce and layered with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this dish is rich, indulgent, and absolutely mouthwatering. Perfect for any special occasion or a cozy family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Breakdown
Potatoes
- Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy nature. They break down nicely in the creamy sauce and become soft and tender when baked. However, you could also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, buttery texture.
Garlic
- Fresh garlic adds an aromatic flavor to the cream sauce. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount depending on your preference. If you’re a garlic lover, you could even add a clove more for extra punch!
Cheeses
- Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you want to elevate the flavor, you can use Gruyère, which adds a nutty, sophisticated taste, or Parmesan for a more savory, salty edge.
Heavy Cream
- Heavy cream is used here to create the rich, luscious sauce that coats the potatoes. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind that the creaminess will slightly reduce.
Herbs and Seasonings
- The combination of salt, pepper, and thyme perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Thyme adds a subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with potatoes, but you can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sagefor a slightly different flavor.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
- Preheating your oven ensures that the potatoes bake evenly. A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe, providing enough room for all the layers while allowing the heat to circulate properly. Greasing the pan or using parchment paper prevents the creamy mixture from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Melting the butter before adding the garlic helps release its natural oils, making the garlic’s flavor stronger. Cooking it briefly until fragrant ensures the garlic doesn’t burn, which would make it bitter.
- By adding heavy cream, the sauce becomes rich, velvety, and luxurious. The salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors, while the thyme introduces a fragrant herbal note. Don’t forget to remove from heat once it’s just warm, as overheating can cause the cream to break or curdle.
Step 3: Layering the Potatoes
- The layering process is crucial to achieve even cooking. Start by placing a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Layering evenly allows each slice to absorb the cream sauce, ensuring they cook at the same rate and become tender all the way through.
- When layering the cheese mixture, make sure to distribute it evenly over each layer of potatoes. The cheese melts during baking and forms a golden, gooey crust that holds everything together.
Step 4: Baking
- The first 45 minutes covered with foil creates a steamy environment that helps the potatoes cook through without drying out. Removing the foil during the last 15–20 minutes allows the top layer of cheese to brown, giving the dish that delicious crispy, cheesy finish.
- Testing for doneness: To check if the potatoes are fully cooked, pierce the layers with a fork. The fork should go in easily without resistance. If it’s still hard, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Garnishing
- Once your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are out of the oven, don’t skip the garnish. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. It also contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy potatoes.
Additional Tips
Make it Ahead
- Make-ahead: If you need to prepare this dish in advance, assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You may need to extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
- Freezing: If you want to store it for later, assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen; just add an additional 30 minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
- Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon or sausage can be added between layers for a savory, smoky kick.
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, try adding sautéed onions, spinach, or even mushroomsbetween the layers of potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Make it Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or sprinkle over the potatoes before baking to introduce a little heat to balance the richness.
Alternative to Garlic
- If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can swap it out for onion powder or use shallots for a milder onion flavor.
Perfect Pairings
- Meats: These scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for roast chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. They complement rich proteins beautifully.
- Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.
- Bread: You can’t go wrong with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any leftover cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a perfect comfort food dish, combining creamy potatoes with melty cheese and a subtle hint of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The layers of cheese, cream, and potatoes create a heavenly bite every time, and the option for customizing with extras like bacon or vegetables makes it versatile for every taste!
