White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Yield:
10 to 12 Serves

Special enough for an occasion like Easter dinner, but plenty simple to prepare for a casual supper too, this recipe for creamy, cheese-topped scalloped potatoes is a keeper. The dish will complement just about any main, but goes especially well with this sweet-and-savory Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more, softened, for dish

  • 8 ounces shallots (about 4), thinly sliced (1 ⅓ cups)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 2 thyme sprigs, plus 1 teaspoon leaves

  • 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ⅛-inch-thick rounds

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 5 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated (about 1 ½ cups)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F with a rack in lower third. Brush a 2-to-2 1/2- quart baking dish with butter. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and thyme sprigs; cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are beginning to turn golden, 5 to 7 minutes (if they brown quickly, reduce heat). Stir in potatoes, milk, cream, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 3 minutes. Remove and discard thyme.

  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer one-third of potato mixture to prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with one-third of cheese. Repeat layering once more; top with remaining potato mixture and season. Cut remaining 2 tablespoons butter into cubes; sprinkle over top. Carefully pour liquid from pan over top. Scatter on remaining cheese, thyme leaves, and more pepper. Transfer dish to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.

  3. Bake until bubbly, 1 hour, 20 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Let cool at least 20 minutes (so cream mixture can be fully absorbed), loosely tented with foil, before serving.

    White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
    Chris Simpson
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