Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Family Dinners

Creamy cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes bring comfort to every dinner table with their irresistible layers of flavor.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a magical side dish everyone craves.

Families adore this classic recipe passed through generations of home cooks.

Sliced potatoes nestled between rich cheese and aromatic garlic make magic happen in your kitchen.

Smooth cream blends with sharp cheddar for a decadent experience that feels like pure indulgence.

Skilled chefs and kitchen novices alike can master this simple yet impressive dish.

Come savor a recipe that promises to become your new favorite potato sensation.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • How do I ensure my potatoes cook evenly?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly thin, about 1/8 inch thick. This helps all potato slices cook at the same rate and achieve consistent tenderness.

  • Can I substitute different cheeses?

Yes, you can replace cheddar and gruyere with alternatives like monterey jack, gouda, or fontina. Just maintain a similar total cheese quantity for best results.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and sour cream. The key is maintaining a rich, creamy consistency for the sauce.

Why Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Are Always A Hit

  • Create Creamy Comfort: Dive into a luxurious potato dish that wraps you in pure, cheesy goodness with its rich cream sauce and perfectly layered potatoes.
  • Master Gourmet Simplicity: Craft a restaurant-quality side dish using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that make you feel like a professional chef.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its beautiful golden-brown top, melted cheese layers, and irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.
  • Versatile Culinary Star: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a stunning accompaniment to roasted meats and main courses.

Ingredients List For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy, creamy vegetables that form the base of this comforting dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, luxurious texture and adds depth to the sauce.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy liquid base for the potato layers.
For the Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Melt beautifully and add complex, sharp flavor to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish and helps create a crispy golden top.
For the Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory undertones to the potato layers.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the sauce set and create a cohesive texture.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the cream sauce and provide structure.
  • Fresh Thyme: Introduces a subtle, herbaceous note to complement the rich potato dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing garlic and adds depth to the dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: Protects the top of the dish from excessive browning during initial baking.

Instructions For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with generous butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes with Precision

Carefully slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Finely chop garlic cloves and sauté in melted butter. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and develops a light golden color, releasing its rich flavor.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk
  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour

Whisk the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended, creating a luxurious binding sauce.

Step 5: Build First Potato Layer

Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Overlap the slices slightly to create an elegant, compact layer.

Step 6: Season First Layer

Distribute evenly over the potato layer:
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure seasonings are spread across the entire surface for balanced flavor.

Step 7: Add First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous mixture of:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Gruyere cheese

Cover the first potato layer completely with the cheese blend.

Step 8: Create Second Potato Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, forming a second uniform layer.

Step 9: Pour Cream Mixture

Slowly and evenly pour the cream sauce over the potato layers. Allow the liquid to seep between the potato slices, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 10: Final Cheese Topping

Top the dish with:
  • Remaining cheese blend
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Create a rich, golden cheese crust that will become crispy during baking.

Step 11: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. The foil protects the top from excessive browning.

Step 12: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for 30-35 minutes. The potatoes should become tender, and the top should turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce set and allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Slice Potatoes with Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring each slice cooks evenly and looks professional.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Avoid watery potatoes by patting slices dry with paper towels before layering, which helps achieve a creamy, rich texture.
  • Enhance Cheese Flavor: Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar and gruyere for a more complex, depth of flavor that elevates the classic dish.
  • Prevent Burning Tips: Cover with aluminum foil during initial baking to protect the top from excessive browning while ensuring potatoes cook thoroughly.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to sit for 15 minutes after baking, helping the sauce thicken and flavors meld together perfectly.

Twists On Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Vegetarian Potato Gratin: Replace gruyere and cheddar with plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew or almond cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Gratin: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, sage, or tarragon instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Mediterranean-Style Potato Casserole: Add diced sundried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

What To Serve With Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings for Scalloped Potatoes
  • Elevate Wine Selection: Crisp Chardonnay or buttery Pinot Noir perfectly balances the creamy, rich potato dish with their subtle oak and fruit undertones.
  • Match Protein Partners: Roasted herb-crusted chicken or tender beef tenderloin create a harmonious main course that complements the potato's luxurious texture and cheesy depth.
  • Brighten with Fresh Sides: Crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts cut through the dish's richness, providing refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance Herbal Accents: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs scattered on top add aromatic brightness and connect the potato's herb-infused layers with additional green, earthy notes.

Best Storage For Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer potatoes to baking dish, add splash of cream to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then uncover for final 5 minutes to crisp top.
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Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy, indulgent cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes deliver pure comfort on a plate. Rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with garlic-infused cream and melted cheese, promising a delectable side dish you’ll savor with every forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs russet potatoes
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Binding and Topping:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Thoroughly wash and thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
  3. Mince garlic cloves and sauté in melted butter until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing their aromatic essence.
  4. Whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, and flour in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a rich binding sauce.
  5. Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an elegant, organized arrangement.
  6. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper over the potato layer, distributing seasonings evenly.
  7. Scatter a mixture of cheddar and gruyere cheeses across the first potato layer, ensuring comprehensive cheese coverage.
  8. Repeat layering process with remaining potato slices, creating a second uniform layer.
  9. Pour the cream mixture slowly and evenly over the potato layers, allowing liquid to seep between potato slices.
  10. Top the dish with remaining cheese blend and grated parmesan, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, protecting the top from excessive browning.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is beautifully golden and crispy.
  13. Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 15 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent thickness and even cooking, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda or aged cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and enhance the dish’s complexity.
  • Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, maintaining richness while lightening the recipe.
  • Make the dish gluten-free by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch in the cream mixture, ensuring smooth texture and proper thickening.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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