Scalloped potatoes are a timeless side dish that graces many family dinners and holiday tables. This dish, with its layers of tender potatoes and rich, cheesy sauce, is the perfect accompaniment to any main course. Our Classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result every time. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes
The combination of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked potatoes makes this dish irresistible. The sauce, made from simple ingredients like butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese, is seasoned to perfection with a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. This recipe is ideal for those who love comfort food and appreciate a dish that can be made with pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these classic scalloped potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheese, to sprinkle on top
- Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- 1-quart casserole dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a one-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, blend in the flour and let it sit for a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add all of the cold milk, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps. Season with salt and a dash of cayenne pepper. Cook the sauce on low heat until it becomes smooth and starts to boil, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is boiling, reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
3. Assemble the Potatoes
Place half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared casserole dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes and the remaining cheese sauce. Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup of grated cheese on top. For a touch of color, you can sprinkle some paprika on top as well.
4. Bake
Bake the scalloped potatoes uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Serve
Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your favorite main dish.