Name: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs yellow potatoes; 1 can cream of mushroom; 1 cup milk; ½ tsp garlic powder; black pepper; 1 small onion; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Get ready to indulge in a comforting and delicious side dish with this easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, these creamy and cheesy potatoes will be a hit at any table. Plus, they are simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Photos of Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common household items, you might need to visit the supermarket for cream of mushroom soup, which is a key component for the creamy sauce. Additionally, sharp cheddar cheese adds a distinct tangy flavor that sets this dish apart, so be sure to pick some up if you don't have it at home.

Ingredients For Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Yellow potatoes: These provide the base for the dish, offering a tender and mild-flavored component.

Cream of mushroom: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.

Milk: Helps thin out the cream of mushroom soup to the perfect consistency.

Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory note to the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor.

Onion: Provides a slight sweetness and additional depth to the flavor profile.

Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives the dish its irresistible cheesy goodness.

One reader, Alleen Bello says:

This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The creamy, cheesy layers are absolutely delicious, and the hint of garlic and onion adds the perfect touch. It's simple to make and a hit with the whole family. Highly recommend for a comforting side dish!

Alleen Bello

Techniques Required

Yes.

How to slice potatoes: Wash the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces without peeling. How to boil potatoes and onions: Drop the sliced potatoes into boiling water for 5 minutes, adding the sliced onions during the last minute, then drain. How to combine ingredients: Mix the soup, milk, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl and microwave until hot. How to layer ingredients: Put a little bit of the soup mixture in the bottom of a greased dish, then layer half of the potatoes, half of the soup mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake the layered dish for 45 to 55 minutes until hot and bubbly.

How To Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Whip up a delicious side of hot and bubbly scalloped potatoes in just under one hour! It’s made with a creamy mushroom sauce and layers of melty cheese.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbsyellow potatoes
1cancream of mushroom,chicken or celery soup
1cupmilk
½tspgarlic powder
black pepper,to taste
1small onion,thinly sliced
2cupssharp cheddar cheese,shredded

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Wash the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces; no need to peel.
Drop the potatoes into boiling water for 5 minutes. During the last minute, add the sliced onions to the water. Drain.
Combine the soup, milk, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Microwave until hot.
Put a little bit of the soup mixture in the bottom of a greased 2-quart casserole dish, a 9×9-inch pan, or an oven-safe pan.
Layer ½ of the potatoes, ½ of the soup mixture, and ½ of the cheese. Repeat layers ending with cheese.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 358.06kcal
Fat: 18.39g
Saturated Fat: 9.70g
Trans Fat: 0.52g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.51g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.89g
Carbohydrates: 33.43g
Fiber: 4.03g
Sugar: 4.02g
Protein: 15.70g
Cholesterol: 48.95mg
Sodium: 574.24mg
Calcium: 373.73mg
Potassium: 780.77mg
Iron: 1.47mg
Vitamin A: 135.47µg
Vitamin C: 30.65mg

Technique Tip for This Recipe

For an extra creamy texture, try using a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly. This ensures uniform cooking and a more professional presentation. Additionally, consider grating your own sharp cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Save Time on This Recipe

Pre-boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes and onions together to save time on cooking.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Microwave the soup mixture: Heat the soup mixture in the microwave to speed up the process.

Layer efficiently: Organize your ingredients before starting to layer, making the assembly quicker.

Use a mandoline: Slice the potatoes quickly and uniformly with a mandoline slicer.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

yellow potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and will hold up well during baking.
cream of mushroom - Substitute with cream of chicken: Cream of chicken provides a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will make the dish richer and creamier.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic will provide a more robust and aromatic flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and will blend seamlessly into the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese melts well and has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dish.

Best Way to Present This Dish

Use a mandoline slicer: Ensure the yellow potatoes are sliced uniformly to achieve a professional look and even cooking.
Blanch and shock: After boiling the potatoes and onions, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and retain their vibrant color.
Create a smooth sauce: Whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until completely smooth before microwaving. This ensures a velvety texture.
Layer with precision: Arrange the potato slices in a shingled pattern, slightly overlapping each piece. This not only looks elegant but also ensures even distribution of flavors.
Cheese distribution: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely and sprinkle it evenly between layers. This ensures a consistent cheesy flavor throughout the dish.
Use a ring mold: For individual servings, use a ring mold to layer the potatoes, soup mixture, and cheese. This creates a refined, restaurant-quality presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Once baked, garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve on a white plate: Present the scalloped potatoes on a pristine white plate to highlight the golden, bubbly cheese and the creamy layers.
Drizzle with truffle oil: For an extra touch of luxury, lightly drizzle the finished dish with truffle oil just before serving.
Add a side of microgreens: Accompany the dish with a small side of microgreens dressed in a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy potatoes.

Best Tools for This Recipe

Oven: Used to bake the scalloped potatoes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until they are hot and bubbly.
Pot: Needed to boil the potatoes and onions for a short period before baking.
Knife: Essential for slicing the potatoes and onions into the required thickness.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the potatoes and onions.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the soup, milk, pepper, and garlic powder.
Microwave: Heats the soup mixture to ensure it is hot before layering.
Casserole dish: A 2-quart casserole dish, 9×9-inch pan, or any oven-safe pan to layer and bake the potatoes.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the milk and cheese accurately.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the soup mixture and layering the ingredients.
Colander: Used to drain the boiled potatoes and onions.
Grater: If you are using a block of sharp cheddar cheese, a grater will be needed to shred it.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the casserole dish in and out of the hot oven.

How To Store / Freeze This Dish

Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the cooled scalloped potatoes to an airtight container. If you don't have one, you can use a baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The scalloped potatoes will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the scalloped potatoes in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When ready to reheat, thaw the scalloped potatoes in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees f. Transfer the scalloped potatoes to an oven-safe dish if they aren't already in one.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of reheating.
Enjoy your reheated scalloped potatoes as if they were freshly made!

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the leftover scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a portion of the scalloped potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if the potatoes seem dry.
Reheat on the stovetop for a more controlled method. Place the scalloped potatoes in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of milk or cream to keep them moist. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the scalloped potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method will give you a crispy top layer.
If you have a slow cooker, place the scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker and set it to low. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for keeping the potatoes warm for a longer period without drying them out.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like yellow potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, onion, and sharp cheddar cheese, the total cost is approximately $10-$12 for a household of 4 people. Given the simplicity and affordability of the ingredients, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk contributes to high levels of saturated fat and sodium. These ingredients can lead to increased cholesterol levels and potential heart health issues if consumed frequently. Additionally, the dish lacks a significant amount of fiber and essential vitamins, which are crucial for a balanced diet.

Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version using low-sodium vegetable broth and fresh mushrooms.
Use skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative to reduce saturated fat content.
Opt for a reduced-fat or part-skim cheese to maintain the cheesy flavor while cutting down on unhealthy fats.
Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrient content.
Consider using sweet potatoes instead of yellow potatoes for a boost in vitamins A and C.
Reduce the amount of cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with added nutrients.

By making these adjustments, you can transform this comfort food into a more balanced and health-conscious dish without sacrificing flavor.

Editor's Thoughts

This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a delightful comfort food that balances simplicity and flavor. The use of cream of mushroom soup adds a rich, creamy base, while the sharp cheddar cheese provides a satisfying tang. Parboiling the potatoes and onions ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. The layering technique ensures every bite is cheesy and flavorful. However, consider adding a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a straightforward, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Enhance Your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts mingling with the tangy sweetness of a balsamic glaze. This side dish adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of your scalloped potatoes.

Garlic Butter Green Beans: Garlic Butter Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce bring a vibrant green color and a savory note to your plate. The crisp-tender texture and the aromatic garlic make this a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty potatoes.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and a hint of citrus provide a delightful contrast to the savory scalloped potatoes. The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by the glaze, adds a touch of elegance and a pop of color to your meal.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: Cranberry Walnut Salad: A crisp salad featuring mixed greens, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This refreshing salad offers a light and zesty complement to the rich and creamy potatoes, balancing the meal with its fresh flavors and textures.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble: Apple Cinnamon Crumble: For a sweet finish, consider a warm apple cinnamon crumble. The tender apples spiced with cinnamon and topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble create a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the scalloped potatoes.

Other Alternative Recipes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Dive into a bowl of velvety mashed potatoes infused with rich garlic and a touch of cream. This dish is perfect for any comfort food craving and pairs beautifully with a variety of meats and vegetables.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Imagine a baked potato taken to the next level with layers of bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to any dinner table.

Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Soup: Warm up with a bowl of creamy soup that combines the hearty goodness of potatoes and the nutritious punch of broccoli. Topped with a generous amount of cheddar cheese, this soup is both comforting and satisfying.

Potato Gratin with Gruyere: Elevate your potato game with this elegant gratin featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes and creamy Gruyere cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish is a showstopper for any dinner party.

Twice-Baked Potatoes: These potatoes are baked, scooped, and mixed with butter, cheese, and sour cream, then baked again until golden and crispy. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, they are sure to impress.

Why trust this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe:

This easy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a surefire hit for any meal. The combination of yellow potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that's hard to resist. The addition of cream of mushroom soup and garlic powder enhances the flavor, making it a comforting dish for any occasion. Plus, the simplicity of the steps ensures that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. Trust this recipe for its straightforward instructions and mouthwatering outcome.

Have you tried this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe? Share your experience and discuss any variations or tips in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use russet or red potatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked bacon bits, ham, or even some green onions for extra flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute. If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.