Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of scalloped potatoes baking in the oven? This recipe takes a classic side dish to the next level with the addition of creamy, flavorful cheese powder. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a satisfying side, these scalloped potatoes deliver on taste, texture, and ease.
Using cheese powder not only adds a rich, cheesy goodness but also simplifies the process, making it a foolproof option for cooks of all skill levels. With layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet night at home.
Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
Benefits of Scalloped Potatoes Recipe With Cheese Powder
Scalloped potatoes with cheese powder are more than just a side dish—they’re a game-changer in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love making this recipe:
- Rich, Cheesy Flavor: The addition of cheese powder gives every bite a bold and creamy taste that melts in your mouth.
- Effortless to Prepare: With simple pantry ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this dish is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday spread or a cozy weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes fit the bill.
- Time-Saving: Cheese powder eliminates the need for grating or melting fresh cheese, so you can have your dish prepped in no time.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy, cheesy comfort food that pairs well with nearly any main course.
If you’re looking for a reliable recipe that’s packed with flavor and fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, this scalloped potatoes dish is the answer!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these irresistible scalloped potatoes with cheese powder. Here’s the list of ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup cheese powder (this is the star of the show for a rich, cheesy flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tip: When slicing the potatoes, aim for uniform thickness—about 1/8-inch slices. This ensures they cook evenly and meld beautifully with the creamy sauce.
These simple ingredients come together to create the ultimate cheesy, creamy experience. And don’t worry – there’s no need to spend hours grating cheese when you have cheese powder in your pantry!
Instructions for Scalloped Potatoes
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make these cheesy scalloped potatoes. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing!
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the potatoes :
Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for even slices, which will ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
Make the creamy sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (this is your roux). Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, just until it turns a light golden color.
Add the milk and cheese powder:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the cheese powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. You should have a velvety cheese sauce with a rich, creamy texture.
Layer the potatoes:
In your greased baking dish, start by layering the sliced potatoes in an even, slightly overlapping pattern. After each layer, pour a little of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly. Repeat this process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up.
Bake to perfection:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let it rest Scalloped Potatoes:
Once out of the oven, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, you can broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes after they’ve finished baking. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning! Now, you’re ready to enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes!
Pro Tips and Variations
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make these cheesy scalloped potatoes. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing!
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even slices, which will ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (this is your roux). Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, just until it turns a light golden color.
- Add the milk and cheese powder: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the cheese powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. You should have a velvety cheese sauce with a rich, creamy texture.
- Layer the potatoes: In your greased baking dish, start by layering the sliced potatoes in an even, slightly overlapping pattern. After each layer, pour a little of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly. Repeat this process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up.
- Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, you can broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes after they’ve finished baking. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes!
Pro Tips and Variations
Now that you’ve made this delicious scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese powder, here are some expert tips and fun variations to make it even better and tailor it to your tastes:
- Make it Gluten-Free: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free cheese powder if needed.
- Customize the Cheese Flavor: While cheese powder adds a rich flavor, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese powder, like cheddar, Parmesan, or a spicy jalapeño variety for an extra kick.
- Add Protein: Want to make it a complete meal? Layer in some cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken between the potato slices for a heartier version.
- Herb It Up: For an aromatic twist, sprinkle some fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives between the layers or on top before baking. These herbs will enhance the earthy flavors of the potatoes and give the dish a fresh, savory profile.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra creamy potatoes, feel free to double the cheese sauce recipe. Pour the extra sauce over the potatoes before baking, and you’ll end up with an even richer dish.
- Try a Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free alternative, swap the butter for vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Look for a dairy-free cheese powder for the ultimate cheesy flavor.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, prep the potatoes and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—it’ll save you time on the day you plan to serve it!
By incorporating these tips and variations, you can make this recipe your own while ensuring each bite is just as delicious as the last!
Serving Suggestions
Once your cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes are ready, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the comfort they bring. This dish is so versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to help you pair it with other dishes and make your meal complete:
- With Roasted Meat: Scalloped potatoes are a classic side for roasted meats like roast chicken, prime rib, or pork tenderloin. The creamy potatoes balance out the savory flavors of the meat perfectly.
- Grilled Steak: The richness of these scalloped potatoes pairs wonderfully with a perfectly grilled steak. Add a side of grilled vegetables to round out the plate.
- As a Vegetarian Main: For a satisfying vegetarian meal, serve the scalloped potatoes with a crisp green salad and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
- Holiday Feasts: This dish is a holiday favorite! Serve it alongside glazed ham, turkey, or stuffing for a festive spread. The cheesy potatoes are sure to be the star of the table.
- With Grilled Seafood: For a lighter option, serve your scalloped potatoes with grilled salmon or shrimp. The creaminess complements the delicate flavors of the seafood without overpowering it.
Pro Tip: Top your scalloped potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and a pop of freshness that contrasts the rich, cheesy sauce.
No matter how you serve them, these scalloped potatoes are sure to become a go-to side dish that elevates any meal!
Conclusion
There you have it—your deliciously creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes, made with the simplicity of cheese powder! This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or adding a savory touch to a special holiday meal. The rich, velvety cheese sauce combined with tender, layered potatoes creates a comfort food experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, you can have a gourmet side dish ready in no time. Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions, like crispy bacon or fresh herbs, to make it uniquely yours.
Pro Tip: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking so the sauce can set, making it easier to serve. You’ll love the perfect, creamy texture in every bite.
Enjoy the comfort and simplicity of this cheesy, irresistible dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these scalloped potatoes will always be a hit!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese powder:
1. Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance. Just assemble the potatoes and cheese sauce in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven—no need to thaw! If the dish is cold from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
3. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
4. Can I substitute the cheese powder with real cheese?
While cheese powder is a convenient ingredient, you can substitute it with grated cheese for a more traditional approach. Use about 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese for a similar cheesy flavor. Make sure to melt it into the sauce to ensure smoothness.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For an even spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapenos into the layers!
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk. You can also look for dairy-free cheese powder to maintain that cheesy flavor.
These tips and answers should help you customize and store your scalloped potatoes with cheese powder just the way you like them! If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Enjoy your cooking adventure!