Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

An easy and delicious side dish perfect for the holidays or any weeknight dinner! These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes feature thinly sliced Yukon potatoes baked in a velvety garlic-infused cheese sauce until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re serving a festive feast or a simple family meal, this dish stands out with its comforting flavors and impressive presentation.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Potatoes
• For the Cheese Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
• Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
• Step 4: Assemble the Dish
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Pair with a Protein
• Add Fresh Vegetables
• Garnish for Extra Flavor
• How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Reheating Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
• Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
• What cheeses work best for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
• How do I know when my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a rich and creamy dish that everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of garlic and three kinds of cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that steals the show at any gathering.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, these scalloped potatoes fit any occasion.
• Comforting and Hearty: The warm cheesy sauce enveloping tender potatoes makes this dish a comforting favorite for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, making it easy to serve when hosting friends or family.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you achieve the best results with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• 9 x 13 casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mandoline slicer: Ensures even slicing of potatoes, which promotes uniform cooking.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce without burning.
• Casserole dish: Holds all the layers together while baking beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2.5–3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (1/8 inch; no need to peel)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

PIN THIS!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking as your dish bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

• Scrub and clean the potatoes thoroughly.
• Slice them into 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft but not browned.
• Stir in the flour to create a roux. Once combined, gradually add milk and chicken broth while stirring continuously.
• Add dried thyme and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until slightly thickened.
• Turn off heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until well mixed (it’s okay if not fully melted).

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

• Lightly grease your 9 x 13 casserole dish.
• Layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish followed by 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Repeat this two more times, ending with remaining cheese sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 35–45 minutes until top is golden brown and potatoes are fork tender.

Step 6: Serve

Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps to set the sauce making it easier to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes make for a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavor pair well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Protein

• Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken complement the creamy potatoes beautifully.
• Grilled Steak: A juicy steak alongside scalloped potatoes creates a hearty meal perfect for special occasions.
• Baked Salmon: The richness of salmon balances the indulgent cheese sauce in the potatoes.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: The bright color and crunch of broccoli provide a nice contrast to the creamy dish.
• Glazed Carrots: Sweet, glazed carrots add a pop of color and sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory flavors.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad can refresh the palate between bites of cheesy goodness.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Chopped Chives: Fresh chives sprinkled on top add a hint of onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.

How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

To achieve the best results with your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold potato slicing: Slice your Yukon gold potatoes uniformly at 1/8-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Bold cheese blending: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting properties and enhanced flavor.
• Bold layering technique: Layer the potatoes and cheese sauce evenly for consistent baking and taste throughout.
• Bold resting time: Allowing the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve.
• Bold foil usage: Covering the dish with foil during part of the baking prevents over-browning while allowing the potatoes to cook through.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy texture of scalloped potatoes perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the potatoes.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful texture contrast while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers can be filled with rice or quinoa, adding heartiness without overshadowing your scalloped potatoes.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with cheesy flavors, creating an exciting combination on your plate.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that cuts through the creaminess of the scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes to the next level. Here are some tips:

• Skipping the cheese sauce preparation: Make sure to prepare the cheese sauce before layering it with potatoes. This will ensure a creamy texture throughout.
• Not slicing potatoes evenly: Ensure you slice Yukon gold potatoes to about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking. Thicker slices will not cook properly and may remain hard.
• Overbaking covered potatoes: Baking them too long while covered can lead to soggy layers. Follow the baking times closely for optimal results.
• Using low-quality cheese: Opt for good quality cheeses for a richer flavor. Cheap substitutes may not melt well and could alter the taste.
• Skipping the resting time: Allow the dish to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Place cooled scalloped potatoes in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake just before serving.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While Yukon golds provide great flavor and texture, you can use russet or red potatoes if needed, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

What cheeses work best for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are ideal choices. However, feel free to experiment with Gruyère or Gouda for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when my Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are done?

The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender after about 1 hour of baking without foil.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes make an excellent side dish that complements any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. The creamy texture combined with garlic-infused cheese creates a comforting experience that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize it by adding herbs or different cheeses according to your preference!

---