Cozy Up with a Hearty Scalloped Potato Casserole
On a chilly evening, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, bubbly casserole of creamy potatoes and melted cheese. This classic dish, also known as potatoes au gratin, is sure to become a family favorite.
Get Started with Ease
To begin, warm up your sauce and potatoes on the stovetop. Then, simply layer them in a baking dish with cheese and bake until golden brown. Serve alongside glazed ham or steak for a satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
If you have a mandoline, now’s the perfect time to use it to achieve uniformly thin potato slices. Plus, this recipe can be made ahead of time, refrigerated for up to 2 days, and reheated in the oven.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 4 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 5 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), cut into 8 pieces, plus more for coating the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the upper third. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
- Simmer and Slice: Place the half-and-half, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme in a large pot or Dutch oven. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices and add them to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, gently folding the potatoes into the sauce occasionally, about 20 minutes total.
- Layer and Bake: Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the potatoes to the prepared baking dish and arrange them in an even layer. Evenly sprinkle with half of the cheese. Transfer the remaining potatoes to the dish, arranging them in an even layer. Pour the half-and-half mixture from the pot over the potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining half of the cheese and scatter the butter pieces on top.
- Finish and Serve: Bake uncovered until the potatoes are very tender and the top of the casserole is dark golden brown and bubbling, about 1 hour (cover the dish with foil if the top starts to get too brown). Remove to a wire rack and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy Your Hearty Scalloped Potato Casserole!
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