Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about a bubbling dish of Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe fresh from the oven. The aroma of roasted garlic mixed with melted cheese, the golden-brown crust on top, and those tender potato layers underneath; it's comfort food at its finest. I've been making this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for years, and it never fails to steal the show at family dinners.

What makes this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe special is how simple it is to put together, yet the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you're planning a holiday feast or just want to treat your family to something special on a Sunday evening, this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe delivers every single time. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked potato slices, and that irresistible cheesy topping make this dish impossible to resist.

Why This Comfort Food Classic Never Goes Out of Style

Scalloped potatoes have been gracing dinner tables for generations, and there's a good reason why. This creamy baked potato side dish brings people together, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of buttery garlic flavor and melty cheese layers creates something truly special that everyone loves.

What sets this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The garlic adds depth without being overpowering, while the cheese creates that rich, velvety texture we all crave. Unlike plain scalloped potatoes, this version takes things up a notch with multiple cheese varieties and fresh garlic that infuses every layer. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, baked ham, or grilled chicken, making it the ultimate family dinner side dish for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Bring It All Together at Your Table
• Related
• Pairing
• Creamy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Butter
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Whole milk, warmed
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Dried thyme
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Gruyere cheese, shredded (or Swiss substitute)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even baking.
2. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
3. Peel the potatoes and slice them uniformly using a mandoline or sharp knife; consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
4. Place the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.
5. Mince the garlic finely; the smaller the pieces, the better they'll distribute throughout the dish.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it starts to foam.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the warmed milk gradually.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and half the Gruyere until melted and smooth.

Layering the Potatoes

1. Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Arrange one-third of the potatoes in an overlapping layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
3. Pour one-third of the creamy garlic sauce over the potatoes, making sure to distribute it evenly.
4. Sprinkle one-third of the remaining cheese mixture over the sauce layer.
5. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
6. Gently press down on the layers with a spatula to help the sauce settle between the potato slices.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Let the Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe rest for 10-15 minutes before serving; this helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and cook the potatoes through.
3. Bake for 60 minutes covered; this ensures the potatoes become tender without the top burning.
4. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and any optional breadcrumbs on top.
5. Return to the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Insert a knife into the center to check if potatoes are tender; they should slide in easily.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Choosing the Right Potatoes Russet potatoes are my go-to choice because they're starchy and absorb the cream beautifully without falling apart. Yukon Golds work wonderfully too if you prefer a buttery, slightly waxy texture. Avoid red potatoes; they're too waxy and won't absorb the sauce properly, leaving you with a less creamy result.
• Preventing Watery Scalloped Potatoes The number one complaint I hear is about watery potatoes. Here's how to avoid it: First, make sure your sauce includes flour or cornstarch as a thickener. Second, don't skip the resting time after baking; those 10-15 minutes let the sauce set up properly. Third, slice your potatoes uniformly so they cook at the same rate. And finally, pat the potato slices dry before layering to remove excess starch and moisture.
• Getting That Perfect Golden Crust For a crispy cheesy crust that everyone fights over, use freshly grated Parmesan on top rather than pre-shredded cheese. The difference is remarkable. You can also mix in panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for extra crunch. If your top isn't browning enough, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
• Garlic Tips for Maximum Flavor Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this dish. When cooking the garlic in butter, keep it on medium heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the whole dish. If you want even more garlic flavor, try roasting whole garlic cloves in the oven beforehand, then mash them into the cream sauce.
• Slicing Techniques That Matter Invest in a mandoline slicer if you make this dish often; it creates perfectly uniform ⅛-inch slices every time. Consistent thickness means every potato slice cooks at the same rate, giving you tender layers throughout instead of some pieces being mushy while others are still firm.
• Make-Ahead Strategy You can assemble this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it's starting cold.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Lactose-intolerant? Use lactose-free milk and cream; they work perfectly. If you're watching calories, reduce the cheese by half and add extra herbs for flavor.

Protein Additions for a Complete Meal

• Turn this side dish into a main course by adding cooked, diced ham between the layers; it creates amazing cheesy scalloped potatoes with ham that's perfect for using up holiday leftovers. Crumbled bacon, cooked ground sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully too. Add the protein between the second and third layers for the best distribution.

Vegetable Variations

• Sneak in some nutrition by layering thinly sliced onions or leeks between the potatoes. Caramelized onions add incredible sweetness. You can also add baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced zucchini, or even broccoli florets for a veggie-packed version. Just make sure any vegetables you add are pre-cooked or sliced thin enough to cook through.

Different Cheese Combinations

• While cheddar and Gruyere are classic, feel free to experiment. Try mozzarella for extra stretch, fontina for creaminess, or smoked gouda for a smoky twist. A blend of cheddar and pepper jack gives you a spicy kick. For garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes, use mostly Parmesan with just a touch of mozzarella for melting.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

• For slow cooker scalloped potatoes, butter your slow cooker insert, layer everything the same way, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The top won't get crispy, but you can transfer it to a baking dish and broil it for a few minutes if you want that golden crust.

Gluten-Free Option

• Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. The texture will be just as creamy. Make sure your cheese doesn't contain any hidden gluten additives by checking labels.

Equipment Recommendations

• 9x13-inch baking dish ; glass or ceramic works best for even heat distribution (Avoid metal pans which can react with the cream and create a metallic taste)
• Mandoline slicer ; creates uniform ⅛-inch potato slices in seconds, ensuring even cooking throughout your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
• Sharp chef's knife ; if you don't have a mandoline, a sharp knife and steady hand work fine
• Large mixing bowl ; for soaking potato slices in cold water
• Medium saucepan ; for preparing the creamy garlic sauce
• Whisk ; essential for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce
• Box grater or food processor ; for shredding cheese (always use freshly shredded for the best melting)
• Aluminum foil ; to cover the dish during initial baking
• Oven mitts ; because that dish gets seriously hot
• Rubber spatula ; for pressing down layers and serving

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Freezing Instructions

• These potatoes freeze surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture might be slightly less creamy after freezing, but it's still delicious. I don't recommend freezing unbaked scalloped potatoes; always bake first, then freeze.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Assemble the entire Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe up to one day ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. You may need to add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time. This make-ahead method is perfect for holiday meal planning when oven space is precious.

FAQ

Bring It All Together at Your Table

Now that you've mastered this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, you're ready to impress everyone at your next gathering. The golden brown top, the creamy layers underneath, and those tender potato slices swimming in that rich garlic sauce; it's everything comfort food should be. This dish has become my signature side for every special occasion, and I know it'll become yours too.

Pair this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with our Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe for a fun, casual dinner that kids and adults both love, or serve it alongside our Greek Chicken Recipe for an elegant meal with Mediterranean flair. The beauty of this Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is its versatility; it fits into any menu, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts. Give it a try this weekend, and don't forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

With love and good food
By Lisa Johnson💛

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