Oh, comfort food! Is there anything better? When the world feels a little crazy, there’s nothing like a warm, satisfying dish to make everything feel right again. And for me, Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? Total classic! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, you know? This recipe is seriously easy, which is exactly what you need when you’re craving comfort.
What I love most about Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how simple it is to throw together. Nothing fancy, just good ol’ fashioned ingredients that transform into something truly special. And cheesy? Oh yeah, it’s cheesy! Who can resist layers of tender potatoes swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce? Not me, that’s for sure! I’ve been making comfort food for ages, and trust me, this one’s a winner. It’s one of those recipes that everyone loves, from picky kids to your hard-to-please Uncle Joe. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Okay, so why *this* Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe? Well, lemme tell ya… it’s:
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, if I can make it, you can make it!
- Cheesy Goodness: We’re talking *real* cheese, melted to perfection.
- Comfort Food Central: It’s like a warm hug. Need I say more?
- Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters will gobble this up. I swear!
- Perfect Side Dish: Goes with EVERYTHING. Steak, chicken, you name it.
- Budget-Friendly: Doesn’t break the bank. Always a win!
Simple Ingredients for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
The best part? You probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen! Potatoes, onions, butter, milk, cheese… basic stuff, right? No fancy trips to specialty stores needed. That’s my kinda recipe!
Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these dreamy Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (yep, gotta peel ’em!)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (makes it extra flavorful!)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (the *real* stuff, please!)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (for that creamy sauce!)
- 3 cups whole milk (makes it rich and delicious)
- 1 tsp table salt (seasoning is key!)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (gives it a little kick!)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (because CHEESE!)
How to Make Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pan of Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that’ll knock your socks off! I promise!
Preparing the Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). Gotta get it nice and hot! Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Nobody wants their potatoes sticking, right? Now, grab those thinly sliced potatoes and onions. We’re gonna layer ’em! Start with half the potatoes, then half the onions. Repeat! Like a potato-onion lasagna! This layering thing helps everything cook evenly. Trust me on this one.
Making the Cheese Sauce for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Now, for the cheesy, creamy, dreamy sauce! In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melty and bubbly, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want it smooth, like a paste. This is called a roux, and it’s what thickens our sauce. Next, gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk. Keep whisking! Don’t want any lumps! Cook it until it’s nice and thick. Should coat the back of a spoon. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. Mmm, cheesy!
Baking Your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Alright, almost there! Pour that glorious cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every single potato is covered! Now, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This helps the potatoes cook through without burning the top. After an hour, carefully remove the foil (careful, it’s hot!). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Ooh, that’s the good stuff! Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken up a bit. And that’s it! You’ve made Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! High five!
Tips for the Best Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Wanna take your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. First, try to slice those potatoes evenly. It helps them cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some that are mushy and some that are still crunchy. Nobody wants that!
Also, be careful not to overcook the potatoes. Test ’em with a fork! They should be tender, but not falling apart. And to prevent the top from burning? If it starts to get too brown, just tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking. Easy peasy! These simple steps will get you perfect Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes every single time!
Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try swapping out the cheddar for Gruyere or Monterey Jack. Ooh, fancy! Or, how about adding some diced ham or crispy bacon? Everything’s better with bacon, right? A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary? Yes, please! The possibilities are endless, so go wild and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
So, what goes with these amazing Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? Pretty much anything! They’re fantastic with a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even a simple pork chop. For other sides, how about some steamed green beans or a crisp salad? Yum! It’s the perfect comfort food meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Got questions about Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. First up: Can you use different potatoes? Sure thing! I love Yukon Golds, but Russets work too. They just might need a little extra baking time.
Can you make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble everything, but don’t bake it. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. And the big one: How do you keep it from being watery? Make sure you don’t overcook the potatoes! And letting it stand for 10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken up. There you have it!
Nutritional Information for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Okay, so you wanna know what’s *in* these Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, huh? Well, here’s a super rough estimate: We’re talkin’ calories, fat, protein, carbs…the usual suspects! Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
Okay, you made it! Now, dig in and enjoy those Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! And hey, if you loved them, leave a comment and rate the recipe! Share it with your friends! Happy eating!
Print
Irresistible Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Just 1 Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a simple recipe for creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes, perfect as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the dish, followed by half of the onion slices. Repeat layers.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
- Pour cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for extra warmth.
- You can substitute Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
