Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes! These creamy, flavorful layers of goodness are truly a comfort food dream come true. Picture this: thinly sliced potatoes, buttery and rich, smothered in a cheesy, garlicky sauce that just oozes happiness. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; folks were practically fighting over the last scoop! It’s a dish that just brings everyone together, whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try these cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, you’ll be hooked for life!

Ingredients List

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)

How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into making these cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious dish. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and perfectly. While that’s heating up, grab your baking dish and grease it with those 2 tablespoons of butter. You want to make sure nothing sticks—trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that cheesy goodness!

Once your oven is preheated and your dish is ready, it’s time to layer those potatoes. Start by placing half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Don’t worry if they seem a bit crowded; they’ll shrink as they cook! Next, sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese and half of the minced garlic over the first layer. Oh, the smell of garlic already starting to waft through the kitchen—amazing!

Now, repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and garlic. Take your time to make sure it’s all spread out nicely. Once you have your layers set, it’s time to mix up that creamy goodness. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until it’s combined. This is where the magic happens! Pour this creamy mixture evenly over your layered potatoes, making sure every slice gets a little love.

Finally, top it all off with that grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a lovely golden crust that’s simply irresistible! Now, pop your dish into the oven and let it bake for about 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This little rest allows everything to settle, making it easier to scoop out those perfect portions. And trust me, the wait will be worth it!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a little note before you dig into these cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes: nutritional information can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some typical values for calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and more, keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and not set in stone. If you’re curious about the exact nutritional breakdown for your version of the dish, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you enjoy your cooking adventures while keeping an eye on those numbers if you need to. Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ultra-creamy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Packed with flavor from the garlic and a delicious cheesy blend.
Perfect for gatherings and family dinners; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Versatile enough to pair with any main dish—from roasted meats to veggie plates.
Leftovers (if you have any) are just as good the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to whip up those cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, here are some of my favorite tips to make sure yours turn out perfectly every time!

Even Slicing: When slicing your potatoes, aim for uniform thickness—about 1/8 inch is ideal. This helps them cook evenly and ensures that every layer is tender and delicious. A mandoline slicer can be a game-changer if you have one!
Use Fresh Garlic: Trust me, fresh garlic makes all the difference! The flavor is so much more vibrant than pre-minced options. Plus, you get that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Try a combination of cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist. Each will bring a different flavor profile to your dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Layers: When layering your potatoes, make sure they’re spread out evenly. If they’re too packed, they might not cook through properly. A little space goes a long way!
Let it Rest: After baking, let your dish cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the creamy layers a chance to set, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully!
Cover if Necessary: If you notice the top is browning too quickly while baking, don’t hesitate to cover your dish loosely with foil for the last part of the bake. You want that golden crust but not burnt edges!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most scrumptious cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, I’ve got some fun variations to inspire your creativity! These ideas will not only keep things interesting but also allow you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.

Cheese Medley: Instead of just using cheddar, why not mix it up? Try a blend of cheeses like Gruyère for nuttiness, mozzarella for that extra gooey stretch, or even a touch of tangy goat cheese for a unique flavor. Each cheese brings its own character to the dish!
Herb Infusion: Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your scalloped potatoes. Consider tossing in some chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of parsley. Sprinkle them between the layers for a fragrant touch that complements the garlic beautifully!
Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Thinly slice vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms and layer them in with the potatoes. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also make the dish even heartier!
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cream mixture. This will give your scalloped potatoes a delightful spicy surprise that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess!
Loaded Style: Go all out by turning these into loaded scalloped potatoes! Top your finished dish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It’s a flavor explosion that everyone will love!
Sweet Potato Twist: For a slightly healthier version, swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory cheese and garlic, creating a delightful contrast!

Feel free to mix and match these variations based on what you love! The beauty of cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes is how versatile they can be. So, get creative and make this dish your own. Happy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes fresh and delicious for as long as possible! If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might be a rarity), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that creamy goodness.

First things first, make sure the scalloped potatoes have cooled down to room temperature. Then, grab an airtight container and carefully transfer your leftovers into it. I like to use a container that’s just the right size to minimize air exposure, which helps keep everything tasting scrumptious. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—if they last that long!

Now, when you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers again, reheating them in the oven is the way to go. It keeps the texture nice and creamy, plus it helps to revive that lovely golden crust on top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place your container in the oven (make sure it’s oven-safe!). Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the top from getting too brown while it heats up. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. If you like an extra crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Just be careful not to burn it—nobody wants that!

And there you have it! Enjoy those cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes again, and trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as when you first made them. Happy reheating!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up those delicious cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more amazing by finding the perfect dishes to serve alongside them! Trust me, these potatoes are so versatile that they can complement a wide array of main courses and sides.

If you’re going for a classic comfort food vibe, pair your scalloped potatoes with roast chicken or beef brisket. The creamy, cheesy layers of the potatoes balance beautifully with the savory flavors of the meat. And don’t forget a nice green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness—it’s the perfect contrast!

For a lighter option, try serving them with grilled salmon or lemon herb chicken. The freshness of the fish or chicken will be a delightful companion to the hearty potatoes. I love to squeeze a bit of lemon over the fish before serving for that extra zing!

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, consider a steak topped with a rich mushroom sauce. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the cheesy scalloped potatoes create a truly decadent experience. Wow, I can almost taste it now!

And let’s not forget about vegetarian options! These scalloped potatoes are fantastic alongside stuffed bell peppers or roasted vegetable medleys. The creamy potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the vibrant flavors of the veggies.

Lastly, if you’re hosting a gathering, why not set up a little buffet? Serve your cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes alongside a charcuterie board, complete with cured meats, cheeses, and pickles. It’s a fun way for everyone to mix and match their plates, and trust me, those potatoes will be a star attraction!

So go ahead and mix and match with these suggestions to create the ultimate meal experience! Your cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are sure to shine on any table.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes: 7 Comforting Layers

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the garlic.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and garlic.
In a bowl, mix heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Pour the cream mixture over the layered potatoes.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 45-60 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven for best results.
For added flavor, use different cheese varieties.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, potato recipes, side dish recipes

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