Description
Comforting cheesy scalloped potatoes invite home cooks to explore classic potato casserole perfection with creamy layered goodness. Crisp edges and rich cheese sauce make this side dish an irresistible companion for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.25-inch slices (2 lbs / 907 g)
- 1.5 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat: Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer Preparation: Slice potatoes and onions into delicate, consistent rounds, arranging them in alternating layers within the baking dish to guarantee uniform cooking and flavor infusion.
- Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and kosher salt, stirring constantly for about a minute to create a silky roux.
- Liquid Integration: Smoothly stream milk into the roux, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce with a creamy consistency.
- Cheese Fusion: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a glossy, homogeneous texture.
- Assembly: Drench the layered potatoes and onions with the cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive and even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, periodically testing potato tenderness with a fork.
- Finishing Touch: Uncover and activate the broiler, carefully monitoring to develop a crisp, golden-brown top without scorching.
- Serving: Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
- Roux Mastery: Continuously whisk flour and butter to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that guarantees a velvety cheese sauce.
- Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy consistency in the sauce.
- Baking Technique: Check potatoes periodically to avoid overcooking; a fork should glide smoothly through layers without resistance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 294
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 305 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg