Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar and Thyme Recipe
This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-thyme sauce and sharp cheddar cheese, baked until tender and golden brown. A comforting, cheesy side dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ⅛-inch thick
- ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, followed by 1 cup vegetable broth. Stir in 4 grated garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook while whisking often for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Dish: Arrange half of the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the thinly sliced yellow onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the onions, then sprinkle 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, sauce, and finish with ½ cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start cooking the potatoes evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- For thinner sauce, add a bit more milk or broth to adjust consistency.
- Feel free to substitute Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and the layers set nicely.
- Slicing the potatoes uniformly thin ensures even cooking.
- Use a mandoline slicer for precise and safe potato slicing.
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Comfort Food, Side Dish, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Garlic Sauce, Thyme, Cheddar Cheese