Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy sauce and baked until tender and golden. Here’s a basic recipe for making scalloped potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the flour to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer. This will create the creamy sauce for the scalloped potatoes. If desired, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in about half of the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
7. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
8. Sprinkle about half of the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce layer.
9. Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top.
10. Pour the rest of the creamy sauce over the second layer of potatoes.
11. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. You can check by inserting a fork – it should go through the potatoes easily.
14. After baking covered, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
15. Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Scalloped potatoes make a delicious side dish for holiday dinners or special occasions. You can also customize the recipe by adding ingredients like sliced onions, bacon, or different types of cheese for variations in flavor.