Savory Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon – A Rich and Creamy Delight

Savory Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon – A Rich and Creamy Delight

Craving a comforting dish that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor? These Savory Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon are the ultimate comfort food. Layered with thinly sliced potatoes, rich creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a warm, delicious meal. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to please, let’s jump into this recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

  • 6 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon crumbles
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Peel and Slice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). A mandolin slicer will make this step much quicker and easier.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux.
  2. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth texture. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

  1. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Add Bacon: Sprinkle some bacon crumbles over the potatoes and cheese sauce.
  3. Continue Layering: Repeat the process of layering potatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Make sure the top layer is covered with cheese sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

  1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. This will allow the potatoes to cook through and soften.
  2. Uncover and Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Continue baking uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let It Rest: Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes to set. This will help them hold their shape when serving.
  2. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.
  3. Serve: Serve the cheesy scalloped potatoes with your favorite main course, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple side salad.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes:

  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up your cheeses. Try sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a combination of your favorites for extra flavor depth.
  • Make It Creamy: If you want an extra creamy texture, use half-and-half instead of whole milk for the sauce.
  • Crispy Topping: For a crunchier topping, add some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to the top before baking.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish the night before. Simply assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Conclusion:

These Savory Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon are the perfect side dish for any meal. With creamy, cheesy layers, crispy bacon, and a golden, bubbling top, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this cheesy potato dish is guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Try it today, and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of this delicious recipe!

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