Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5–6 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel potatoes and slice them thinly:
- Use a knife or mandoline
- Keep slices even for uniform cooking
Place in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a pan:
- Melt butter
- Add garlic and cook briefly
Add flour:
- Stir for 1–2 minutes (forms roux)
Slowly add warm milk:
- Stir continuously to avoid lumps
Add:
- Cream (optional)
- Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme
Cook until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish.
Layer:
- Potatoes
- Onion (optional)
- Sauce
- Cheese
Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
Finish with a generous cheese layer on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until:
- Top is golden and bubbly
- Potatoes are soft
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the sauce set and thickens nicely.
Texture and Flavor
This dish delivers:
- Soft, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes
- Rich creamy sauce
- Cheesy golden crust
- Slight garlic and herb flavor
Tips for Best Results
1. Slice Potatoes Thinly
Ensures even cooking.
2. Use Warm Milk
Prevents lumps in sauce.
3. Don’t Skip Resting Time
Helps structure hold.
4. Use Good Cheese
Cheddar = flavor
Mozzarella = stretch
Variations
1. Bacon Version
Add crispy bacon between layers.
2. Chicken Version
Add cooked chicken pieces.
3. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
4. Vegetable Version
Add spinach or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Grilled meat 🍖
- Chicken 🍗
- Salad 🥗
Or enjoy as a main dish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheating
- Oven: best for texture
- Microwave: softer result
Add a little milk when reheating.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Thick potato slices → undercooked
- ❌ Too much liquid → watery dish
- ❌ Not seasoning → bland taste
- ❌ Skipping foil → uneven cooking
Why This Recipe Works
- Roux creates stable creamy sauce
- Layering ensures even flavor
- Baking softens potatoes perfectly
- Cheese creates rich crust
Final Thoughts
This creamy scalloped potatoes dish is one of the ultimate comfort foods. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether as a side dish or main meal, it always impresses.
The combination of soft potatoes, creamy sauce, and golden cheese topping makes it irresistible.