Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Potatoes & Vegetables
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Prepare Potatoes and Cheese: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly into 1/8 inch (3 mm) rounds using a mandoline slicer for consistency. Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses freshly.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add salt, and season with pepper. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Build Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of each cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with the cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a toothpick and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Russet potatoes make the dish fluffy while Yukon Gold gives a creamier texture; choose according to preference.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter or Parmesan cheese.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving for best texture and easier slicing.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American