Description

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck. The layers of potatoes and onions are bathed in a luscious sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a mouthwatering side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups whole milk, room temperature
1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering potato and then onion.
In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened.
Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked. Broil until golden brown.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Notes

For best results, use russet potatoes, which break down slightly during cooking to create a creamy texture that perfectly complements the cheese sauce. Make sure to slice the potatoes and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like ham or bacon to customize the dish to your liking. If you prefer a crispy top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.