✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
✔ Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
✔ Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
✔ Stir in flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.
✔ Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
✔ Cook until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
✔ Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and shredded cheese.
✅ Once the cheese melts, remove from heat—this sauce makes the potatoes extra creamy!
3️⃣ Layer the Potatoes & Sauce
✔ Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the baking dish.
✔ Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
✔ Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
✅ For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more cheese between layers!
4️⃣ Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
✔ Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
✔ Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake uncovered for 20-25 more minutes.
✔ Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy top!
✅ Potatoes should be fork-tender and bubbling with cheesy goodness!
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
✔ Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
✔ Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or on its own!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes – Use Parmesan and extra garlic. 🧄🧀
🔹 Loaded Scalloped Potatoes – Add crispy bacon & green onions. 🥓
🔹 Spicy Version – Mix in cayenne pepper or jalapeños. 🌶️
🔹 Mushroom & Onion – Sauté mushrooms and onions before adding. 🍄
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to keep crispy.
✔ Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.
✅ Perfect for meal prep & leftovers taste even better!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes!
These scalloped potatoes are cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible! Whether for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks, this dish will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
