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Creamy Cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

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A creamy, cheesy, and loaded scalloped potatoes recipe that is easy to make and perfect as a comforting side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the peeled Yukon Gold potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cottage cheese, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Arrange a layer of potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Spoon about a third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle a third of the bacon and a handful of sliced green onions.
  8. Repeat layering two more times—potatoes, cheese sauce, bacon, and green onions—ending with a final layer of cheese (use the remaining ½ cup cheddar) on top.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce and make slicing easier. Bacon is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version; add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, loaded potatoes, side dish, comfort food, easy recipe, holiday side

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-cheesy-loaded-scalloped-potatoes-recipe-easy-perfect-side-dish/