Description
This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce with onions, garlic, and thyme. It’s a comforting, hearty side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, delivering rich flavors and a golden, bubbly top.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandolin slicer, peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into even thickness slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Lightly season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato layer. Repeat by layering the remaining potatoes and topping them with the rest of the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the sauce to meld.
- Bake Uncovered Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step browns the top and creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving to add a pleasant aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer for uniform potato slices, which ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian friendly.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by controlling the amount of flour and liquids based on your preference.
- For a richer flavor, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- If you prefer a crustier top, sprinkle extra cheese before the final 30 minutes of baking uncovered.
