Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. Traditionally made with cream or milk, scalloped potatoes have a soft, tender texture and rich flavor. Adding cheese and garlic to this timeless dish takes it to another level, making it more decadent and flavorful. The cheese creates a gooey, melted layer that pairs perfectly with the earthy, savory notes of garlic, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

This combination of flavors turns scalloped potatoes into a versatile dish that can serve as a delicious side or even a main course when paired with a salad or other light sides. It’s a popular choice for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special occasions, as it’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether served at a festive meal or a casual family dinner, cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Overview

Potatoes:
The type of potatoes you choose greatly affects the final texture. Russet potatoes are a popular choice because of their high starch content, which helps thicken the sauce and creates a creamy consistency. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option, offering a buttery flavor and smooth texture that holds up well during baking. Whichever type you choose, thin, even slices are crucial for even cooking.
Cheese:
Cheese is the key to turning ordinary scalloped potatoes into a rich, cheesy dish. Sharp cheddar is a common choice due to its bold flavor and excellent melting properties. Gruyère, with its nutty and slightly sweet taste, is also a great option to elevate the dish. For extra creaminess, you can mix in mozzarella or use Parmesan for a hint of sharpness.
Garlic:
Fresh garlic is recommended for this dish to maximize flavor. Minced garlic cloves will release aromatic oils as they bake, enhancing the dish’s depth. However, garlic powder can be used as a substitute if fresh garlic is unavailable. Be cautious of using too much, as garlic can overpower the other flavors if overdone.

Cream & Butter:
These ingredients are essential for creating the rich, creamy sauce that coats the potatoes. Heavy cream or whole milk works best for achieving a smooth texture, while butter adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Seasonings:
Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme are key to bringing out the flavors in the dish. Thyme adds an aromatic, earthy touch, complementing the garlic and cheese.
Optional Additions:
For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding crumbled bacon, chopped chives, or caramelized onions for more flavor and texture.

Preparing the Potatoes and Ingredients

Slicing the Potatoes:
The key to perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes is slicing them to the right thickness. Ideally, the slices should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick for even cooking. Thinner slices can turn mushy, while thicker ones may take longer to cook through. Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness and speeds up the prep process, but a sharp kitchen knife can work if you take your time to slice consistently. Uniform slices help the potatoes absorb the creamy sauce evenly, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
Prepping Garlic and Cheese:
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, minced finely to distribute its flavor throughout the dish. Grate the cheese by hand rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. The cheese should be grated finely enough to create smooth, even layers between the potatoes. A combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella or Gruyère for creaminess, works well.
Optional Prep Steps:
If you’re pressed for time, parboiling the potatoes for 5–10 minutes can help reduce the overall baking time. Parboiling slightly softens the potatoes, allowing them to cook faster in the oven. However, this step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a more hands-off approach to baking. Parboiled potatoes should be cooled slightly before layering to avoid premature cooking of the cheese and sauce.

Making the Sauce (Cheese & Cream Mixture)

Melting Butter and Cooking Garlic:
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to overcook or burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking. The garlic should infuse the butter with a rich flavor that will permeate the entire dish.
Making the Creamy Sauce:
After the garlic is ready, add heavy cream (or whole milk) to the saucepan. Stir to combine with the butter and garlic. Gradually whisk in the cheese, a little at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This slow melting process helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If using a combination of cheeses, start with the stronger cheese (like cheddar) and finish with the creamier cheese (like mozzarella or Gruyère). This creates a well-balanced sauce that’s flavorful without being too heavy.
Adding Herbs and Spices:
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Fresh thyme works best, but dried thyme can be used if fresh isn’t available. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile, though these are optional. Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside until ready to layer with the potatoes.

Layering the Potatoes

Arranging the First Layer:
Begin by greasing a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the first layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Make sure the potato slices overlap slightly, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce throughout the baking process.
Adding Cheese and Garlic Mixture:
Once the first layer of potatoes is in place, pour a portion of the cheese and garlic sauce over the top, making sure to spread it evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the sauce coats the potatoes fully, as this will prevent them from drying out while baking. For extra flavor, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese between layers, depending on how cheesy you want the dish to be.
Repeating Layers:
Continue layering potatoes and sauce until you’ve used all the ingredients. Aim for at least three layers, but you can add more depending on the size of your dish and how many potatoes you have. The top layer should be well-coated with sauce and a generous amount of cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust during baking.

Baking Instructions

Setting the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting to layer your dish. Preheating ensures the dish bakes evenly from the start, helping the potatoes cook through without drying out the top layer prematurely.
Baking Time:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow the potatoes to steam. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, checking occasionally. To ensure the potatoes are fully cooked, insert a fork or skewer into the center; it should slide through easily with little resistance. If the potatoes are still firm, continue baking in 5–10 minute intervals until tender.
Achieving the Perfect Top Layer:
After the initial baking, remove the foil and allow the dish to bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy cheese topping. The cheese should become bubbly and slightly browned. For an even crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes are perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, or any family dinner where you want to serve a comforting side dish. You can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients:

Different cheeses: Try using Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
Proteins: Add cooked ham, bacon, or shredded chicken for a heartier, main-course version.

Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other varieties like red potatoes or sweet potatoes, but starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they create a creamier texture when baked.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use full-fat ingredients like heavy cream or whole milk to reduce the risk of curdling. Additionally, avoid boiling the sauce; keep it at a gentle simmer while cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready, but allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes?
Freezing is possible, but it can affect the texture of the potatoes. If you choose to freeze it, assemble and freeze before baking, then thaw in the fridge before baking as usual.
What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are made with a cream-based sauce, while au gratin potatoes typically include breadcrumbs and more cheese for a crustier topping.