Unbelievably Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in 9 Steps

Oh, friends, let’s talk about comfort food, okay? I’m talking about dishes that just hug you from the inside out. The kind of food that brings back memories of cozy nights and family dinners. And what screams “comfort” more than Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Seriously, this recipe is *the* definition of easy, cheesy goodness. I swear, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps – just pure, unadulterated potato perfection. Trust me.

Growing up, my mom made these like, ALL the time. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, practically inhaling the creamy, cheesy aroma. Each bite was like a warm hug. She always said it was her “secret weapon” for getting us to eat our veggies (sneaky, Mom!). And now? It’s my secret weapon, too! I can whip this up in no time, and everyone—*everyone*—loves it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, I promise!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, this recipe is SO easy. You basically just slice, layer, and bake! Minimal effort, maximum comfort. What’s not to love?

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special holiday get-together, Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes always hits the spot. It’s like, universally loved, ya know?

A Cheesy Delight

Okay, let’s be real: the cheese is the *star* of the show! Melty, gooey, and oh-so-delicious. Every bite is a cheesy dream come true. Yum!

Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The best part about this Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is that you probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen. But hey, just in case, here’s the rundown. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. Seriously, Yukon golds are the BEST for this!
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. Adds just the right amount of flavor.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter. ‘Cause everything’s better with butter, right?
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour. This is what thickens our dreamy sauce.
• 3 cups whole milk. Makes the sauce extra creamy and delicious.
• 1 tsp table salt. Gotta have it!
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground makes a *huge* difference, trust me.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Just a hint of garlicky goodness.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, packed. And I mean *packed*! Don’t be shy with the cheese!

How to Make Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! Time to turn those humble ingredients into a masterpiece of cheesy, potato-y goodness. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden. Promise!

Prepare Your Oven and Dish

First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and hot when those Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are ready to go in. And grab a 9×13 inch baking dish – grease it up real good! I usually use butter or cooking spray. We don’t want any sticking, now do we?

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Now, for the magic sauce! In a large saucepan (medium heat is your friend here), melt the butter. Once it’s all melty and bubbly, whisk in the flour. Keep whisking until it’s smooth – no lumps allowed! Then, *gradually* whisk in the milk. Slow and steady wins the race, folks! We’re going for a smooth, creamy sauce, remember?

Bring it all to a simmer, stirring *constantly*. Seriously, don’t walk away, or you’ll end up with a burnt mess! Cook until it thickens up, about 5 minutes or so. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Yum!

Season the Sauce

Take that saucepan off the heat. Now, stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. Taste it, and adjust the seasonings if you need to. This is your sauce, after all! Make it sing!

Layer the Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Alright, assembly time! In that greased baking dish, layer half of the potato slices, half of the onion slices, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour half of that luscious sauce all over the top. Mmm, can you smell it already?

Now, repeat those layers with the remaining potatoes, onion, cheese, and sauce. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed. We want cheesy, potato-y goodness in every single bite!

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil (this helps the potatoes cook evenly), and pop it in the oven for 1 hour. After an hour, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!). Then, bake for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is all golden brown and bubbly. Drool-worthy, right?

Rest and Serve

Okay, this is the hardest part: resist the urge to dig in right away! Let those Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken up a bit more. Then, serve it up and enjoy! You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Okay, listen up! Yukon gold potatoes are my *absolute* favorite for this recipe. They get super creamy and tender, and they hold their shape perfectly. But, hey, if you’re in a pinch, russets will work too! Just be careful not to overcook them, okay?

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

Sauce too thick? Oops! Just whisk in a little extra milk until it thins out. Sauce too thin? No worries! Simmer it a bit longer until it thickens up. Easy peasy! You’re looking for that Goldilocks “just right” consistency, ya know?

Getting the Cheese Just Right

Freshly grated cheese is KEY, people! Seriously, pre-shredded cheese has this weird coating on it that keeps it from melting properly. Plus, freshly grated just *tastes* better. My favorite part is watching it get all golden and bubbly in the oven. Mmm!

Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Awesome! Now, let’s get a little wild, shall we? Here are a few ideas to jazz things up and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s half the fun!

Add Some Spice

Feeling a little feisty? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. It’ll give your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes a nice little kick! Not too much, though, unless you *really* like it hot!

Get Creative with Cheese

Cheddar’s great, but why stop there? Try swapping in some Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. A little Parmesan on top is always a good call, too! Go crazy, cheese lovers!

Include Different Vegetables

Want to make it a full meal? Add some sliced ham or cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist. Or, sneak in some extra veggies like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some spinach. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Alright, your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are ready to rock! But what do you serve with them? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! These cheesy potatoes go with pretty much *anything*, but here are a few of my faves. Trust me, you can’t go wrong!

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken is a classic for a reason! The crispy skin and juicy meat are just *perfect* with the creamy potatoes. Ham or beef work great, too! Basically, any kind of protein will be happy next to these Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Complete the Meal

Want to round things out? Add a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. A little bit of freshness and green is always a good idea! Plus, it makes you feel a *little* less guilty about all that cheese. Hehe!

Storing and Reheating Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve made a batch of Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and, shockingly, you have leftovers? First off, congrats on the willpower! Second, here’s how to keep ’em tasting amazing the next day (or the day after…no judgment!).

Proper Storage

Pop those leftover Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re cooled down before you refrigerate ’em, okay?

Reheating Instructions

Wanna relive that cheesy potato bliss? You’ve got options! The oven’s great for a nice, even reheat – just cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Or, if you’re impatient (like me!), the microwave works too! Just nuke ’em in short bursts, stirring in between, so they don’t get all weird and rubbery. Careful, it can get HOT!

Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Totally! If you’re short on time, you can assemble the Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes a day ahead. Just layer everything in the dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take it out about 30 minutes before to let it warm up a bit. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, just to make sure those potatoes are cooked through, ya know?

Can I freeze Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Freezing’s a little tricky with this one. The texture of the potatoes and the sauce can change a bit when thawed. It’s still edible, but it might not be *quite* as creamy and dreamy as the fresh stuff. If you *do* freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled first, wrap it really well, and use it within a month or two. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honestly, I usually just make a smaller batch if I don’t need the leftovers!

What if my potatoes are still hard after baking?

Ugh, the worst! If your potatoes are still a little firm after the recommended baking time, don’t panic! Just cover the dish back up with foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender. Sometimes it just depends on the thickness of your slices, or how hot your oven runs. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll get there!

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Whole milk is my go-to for the creamiest sauce, but you can definitely use other kinds of milk if you need to. Two percent milk will work just fine, though it might not be *quite* as rich. I wouldn’t recommend skim milk, though – it might make the sauce a little thin. Some people even use half-and-half or heavy cream for an extra decadent Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Just remember, the higher the fat content, the richer the sauce will be!

Nutritional Information for Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Okay, let’s talk numbers for a sec. Now, I’m no nutritionist, so don’t quote me on this! The nutritional info for these Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is just an estimate, okay? It can totally vary depending on the brands you use, the size of your potatoes, and how heavy-handed you are with the cheese (guilty!). So, take it with a grain of salt, alright?

Enjoy Your Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!

And there you have it, friends! Your very own batch of Simple Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, ready to be devoured! Seriously, I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Now, go forth and enjoy every cheesy, potato-y bite! And hey, if you make ’em, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out, okay? Sharing is caring!

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