Why I Love This Recipe
These scalloped potatoes are rich without being heavy, full of bold garlic and cheese flavor, and easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s also extremely versatile — serve it beside easy turkey wings or pair it with something like baked kosher salami for a comforting and satisfying dinner spread.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Garlic Cream
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme if using.
3. Layer the Potatoes
Layer about one-third of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a third of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle on a handful of cheddar and parmesan.
Repeat the layers twice more, ending with cheese on top.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and lightly crisped.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with a little extra thyme or fresh herbs if desired.
🧠 Tips & Variations
- Thin is in: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get evenly thin potato slices (about 1/8-inch thick).
- Add a kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Swap the cheese: Try gruyère, smoked gouda, or fontina for a new flavor profile.
- Go herby: Add rosemary, sage, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Make ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate overnight. Just add 10–15 minutes to the bake time from cold.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This recipe is hearty and cheesy enough to stand beside your favorite mains:
- Pair with Easy Turkey Wings
- Serve with Dorito Casserole for a kid-friendly combo
- Add Baked Kosher Salami for a bold flavor contrast
- Wash it down with Blueberry Lemonade
- End the meal with Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for the perfect bite-sized dessert
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing tip: Freeze baked and cooled scalloped potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
💬 Final Thoughts
Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with golden cheese crust, these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are everything comfort food should be. They’re the ultimate side dish — and honestly? Maybe the real star of the meal.
Tried it? Leave a comment or tag @Chefmaniac with your potato masterpiece! 🧄🧀🥔
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