Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these irresistibly creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This isn't just another potato dish - it's a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that combines the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese with perfectly layered potatoes and a golden, crispy top that promises pure comfort food bliss.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them uniformly thin, approximately 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, with no cream cheese lumps remaining.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, pour a portion of the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese.
- Continue layering potatoes, cream cheese mixture, and cheddar cheese until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is covered with cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and help potatoes cook evenly.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and making serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform potato slices - consistency is key to even cooking • Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumpy sauce • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture • Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps the sauce set and makes serving easier • For extra richness, you can substitute some milk with heavy cream • If you want a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking • Prepare ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg