These are hands-down the best scalloped potatoes you'll ever have. They even beat many of the 5-star restaurants I've tried like Mastro's. They are the perfect side dish for any evening or holiday feast and this recipe uses no heavy whipping cream. This actually makes them taste even better!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly butter a square pyrex oven pan.
Parmesan Cream Sauce
Heat up medium sized pot on medium to high heat. Once the pot is warm, melt in 1 tbs of butter. Then add garlic and onions. Saute for about 2 minutes and then add your flour, stirring constantly until well blended for about 1-2 more minutes making a roux.Next begin whisking and slowly incorperate your milk and chicken stock. Do not let your sauce come to a boil, reduce to low medium heat.Continue whisking and add in the parmesan cheese. Finally add your salt & pepper. Using your fingers, take the thyme off of the stems and add them to your sauce as well.
Layering
Next layer your scalloped potatoes by adding one layer of your thinly sliced poatoes on a lightly butter pan. Then ladle 1/3 of your sauce mixture and lightly sprinkle with the sharp cheddar cheese. Repeart this step 3 times.Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes.Turn your oven to broil and let your cheese get nice and browned, about another 2-4 minutes.
Notes
The best potatoes to use for this recipe are Yukon golden potatoes. Yellow potatoes will have a more buttery flavor. Do not use Russell potatoes.
What types of cheese work best for scalloped potatoes?
For scalloped potatoes you want to use sharp pungent cheeses and cheese that melt well. Here are a few alternatives.
Swiss
Guyere
Gouda
Sharp White Cheddar
Fontina
We make a roux in substitution for heavy cream and it makes this recipe lower in calories and lighter. This actually produces a better flavor and keeps the dish from tasting greasy.It also reheats very nicely in the oven or microwave and is a great sidedish to make in advance!