Description
A comforting and creamy casserole featuring layers of tender sliced russet potatoes and onions, smothered in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, baked to perfection and optionally broiled for a crispy golden top.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange the sliced potatoes and onion rings alternately in the casserole dish, creating staggered layers to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, stirring constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the room temperature whole milk and continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth, which should take about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Combine and Cover: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help the potatoes cook thoroughly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 85 to 90 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Optional Broiling: For a crispy, golden-brown topping, switch the oven to broil after baking and broil the dish until the top is lightly browned and crisp, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Season and Serve: Remove from oven, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm for a comforting side dish or main course.
Notes
- Use whole milk at room temperature to prevent the cheese sauce from curdling.
- Covering the dish with foil during baking keeps the potatoes moist and tender.
- Broil only for a few minutes to achieve a golden crust without drying out the casserole.
- To save time, slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a tangier flavor, swap mild cheddar for sharp cheddar.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, potato casserole, cheddar cheese, comfort food, side dish
