Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup half and half (or additional milk)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon granulated chicken bouillon
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (to mix in sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Potatoes and Garnish
- 3½ pounds russet potatoes (cut into ⅛-¼ inch rounds)
- Chopped chives (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Cook: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for 60-75 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour starts to brown slightly, stirring constantly.
- Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half and half. Add kosher salt, dried thyme, granulated chicken bouillon, white pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring to a simmer and then boil briefly. Reduce heat and cook for 30-60 seconds. Stir in ¼ cup of shredded cheese at a time until 1 cup is incorporated, keeping 1 cup cheese reserved for topping.
- Layer: Spread the prepared potato slices evenly in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then gently tap the dish to release air bubbles.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Sprinkle: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes, and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Check and Serve: Test the potatoes with a knife to ensure they are tender and easily pierced. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- The granulated chicken bouillon adds depth, but can be omitted for a vegetarian version; replace with vegetable bouillon or extra salt.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce cloves to 2-3.
- Russet potatoes provide the best texture for scalloped potatoes due to their starchiness.
- Covering the dish initially helps steam the potatoes; uncovering later achieves a golden cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American