Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish of scalloped potatoes, but this scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese powder takes it to a whole new level. The velvety layers of tender potatoes, drenched in a creamy, cheesy sauce, remind me of family gatherings around the holidays, where every bite felt like a warm hug.
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe truly special is the magic of cheese powder—it gives an extra pop of flavor without the fuss of grating cheese. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
Adding cheese powder to scalloped potatoes introduces a modern twist to this classic dish, blending nostalgia with culinary innovation. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With cheese powder ensuring a rich, uniform flavor, you can enjoy all the cheesy goodness with less effort. This makes it the perfect recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. If you’ve been searching for an easy scalloped potatoes recipe, this is the one to try.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – These potatoes are ideal for scalloped dishes due to their starchy nature, which creates a rich and creamy texture. Slice them thinly (~1/8 inch thick) for even cooking.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter – Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your sauce.
- 1 medium onion – Dice finely for a balanced flavor that won’t overpower the cheese.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced to infuse the sauce with a subtle garlic aroma.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups milk – Preferably 2% milk for a balance of creaminess and lightness.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, adding depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that complements the cheesy flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste based on the saltiness of your cheese powder.
- 1/4 cup cheese powder – Dissolve in a small amount of milk to integrate seamlessly into the sauce. It provides a rich, cheesy punch without grating.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese – Shredded, for added sharpness and meltiness.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese – Shredded, to enhance the gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese – Grated, for a nutty, savory finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Create Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring the flour is well incorporated.
Add Liquids and Seasoning:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Add the dried thyme and salt. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate Cheeses:
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in the cheese powder, followed by shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layering:
- Arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center—the potatoes should be soft.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.
If you’re planning a meal with these creamy scalloped potatoes, why not explore a few more comforting and crowd-pleasing recipes to create a full spread? For a hearty and flavorful pairing, try this Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe—the tender chicken and aromatic rice make a perfect match for the cheesy, velvety potatoes. If you’re hosting brunch or want to add something fun and unexpected, these crispy Frozen French Toast Sticks in an Air Fryer are a fantastic choice, offering a sweet contrast to the savory potatoes.
For pasta lovers, you can’t go wrong with this rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Its bold flavors and satisfying textures will elevate any dinner menu. And if you’re in need of a quick snack or appetizer, these delightful Chicken Minis are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a family meal, or simply indulging in some comfort food, these recipes will help you create a memorable dining experience.
Tips and FAQs
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best due to their starch content, which creates a creamy consistency.
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Thin, uniform slices (~1/8 inch thick) ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for precision.
- Cheese Powder Tips: Dissolve the cheese powder thoroughly in milk before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping.
- Don’t Overlap Potatoes Too Much: Slightly overlap the slices, but avoid stacking them too high for even cooking.
Substitutions
- Milk Alternatives: Unsweetened almond milk or half-and-half can be used instead of milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Cheese Powder Alternative: If cheese powder isn’t available, use shredded gouda or a blend of cheeses.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Potatoes Are Not Fully Cooked: Ensure slices are thin enough and the dish bakes long enough. Cover with foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes if needed.
- Sauce Too Thin: Ensure the roux is well-cooked, and let the sauce simmer until thickened before layering.
- Top Too Brown: Cover the dish with foil midway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Grainy Sauce: Avoid overheating the cheese sauce after adding the cheese powder, as high heat can cause separation. Stir continuously for a smooth texture.
Additional Insights: The Versatility of Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder
Scalloped potatoes have long been a staple in comfort cuisine, with their origins tracing back to classic French cooking techniques. Traditionally, this dish involves layering thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy sauce and baking until tender.
The introduction of cheese powder into this timeless recipe offers a modern twist, enhancing the dish’s flavor and simplifying its preparation. Cheese powder provides a consistent and rich cheese flavor without the need for grating or melting traditional cheese, making it a convenient option for home cooks seeking efficiency without compromising taste.
This dish also works beautifully as part of a holiday side dish spread or as a comforting potato casserole recipe for weeknight dinners. Its versatility makes it a favorite across generations, from festive celebrations to casual meals.
Incorporating cheese powder into your scalloped potatoes not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures a uniform cheesy taste throughout the dish. By adopting this approach, you’re blending culinary tradition with modern convenience, resulting in a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative. If you’re wondering how to make scalloped potatoes with a creative flair, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
Closing Thoughts
This scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese powder is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and irresistibly creamy. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, it’s bound to be a hit at your table.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your creation on social media. Don’t forget to tag us so we can see your cheesy masterpiece. Happy cooking!
Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Scrub and clean potatoes, then thinly slice potatoes into 1/8 inch thin slices. No need to peel potatoes. Set aside.
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium pot, turn heat to medium and add butter. Once butter is melted, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minute or until they are soft. Avoid over-browning them.
- Add flour and stir to combine. Once combined, add milk, chicken broth, thyme and salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Continue stirring and cook for a few minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Turn off heat and add shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Stir to combine. It’s okay if cheese does not melt completely.
- Grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole. Add 1/3 of the potatoes to casserole, then spread 1/3 of the cheese sauce onto potatoes, then add the next 1/3 of potatoes and cheese sauce, until all the potatoes and cheese are layered. There should be three alternate layers of potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Cover casserole with aluminum foil, bake for 30 minutes. Uncover casserole and bake for another 35-45 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
