✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick for even cooking).
✅ Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for perfect, uniform slices!
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
✔ In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
✔ Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
✔ Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
✔ Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously.
✔ Add salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, and simmer until slightly thickened.
✔ Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup cheddar cheese + Parmesan cheese until melted.
✅ Rich, creamy, and full of flavor!
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers
✔ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
✔ Arrange half the potato slices in an even layer.
✔ Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
✔ Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
✔ Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
✅ Layers = ultimate cheesy goodness!
4️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
✔ Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
✔ Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
✔ Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
✅ Perfectly tender, creamy, and delicious!
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
✔ Serve warm as a side dish for roasted meats, holiday feasts, or cozy dinners.
✅ Pairs perfectly with ham, steak, or chicken! 🍽️
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes – Add extra garlic and Parmesan for a deeper, bolder flavor! 🧄🧀
🔹 Loaded Scalloped Potatoes – Mix in bacon, green onions, and sour cream for a baked potato twist! 🥓
🔹 Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a heat boost! 🌶️
🔹 Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
✔ Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
✅ Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Creamy Scalloped Potatoes!
These Scalloped Potatoes are cheesy, rich, and irresistibly creamy! Whether for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinner, this classic comfort dish is always a winner.
