Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes that are creamy, cheesy, and delicious! Add ham as an option to use up holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 pounds russet potatoes washed and very thinly sliced
- About 2 cups diced ham optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until sauce is thick and bubbly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Remove sauce from heat.
- Place half the sliced potatoes in bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with half the ham (optional), then pour on half the sauce.
- Repeat with the other half of the potatoes, ham, and sauce.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly. Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandolin to slice the potatoes which is the easiest way to get thin, even slices. If your potatoes are sliced thicker, you may need to adjust the cooking time a few minutes.
Pro tip: Keep a bowl of cold water nearby to add your potatoes as you slice them. This will keep them from browning until you are ready to use.