Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon – A Comforting Dish for Any Meal

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon – A Comforting Dish for Any Meal

Looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings? These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon are the perfect choice. With layers of tender potatoes, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for family dinners, holiday meals, or as a side dish to your favorite main course. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and bake!

Ingredients:

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

  • 6 large potatoes (Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (or crispy bacon crumbles)
  • Fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Peel and Slice the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a mandolin for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches) with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the Flour: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to make a roux (a thick paste that will help thicken the sauce).
  3. Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce and mix well. Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  1. Layer the Potatoes: In the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly. You can overlap the slices slightly to ensure an even distribution.
  2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure the sauce covers all of the potatoes.
  3. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the bacon bits (or crumbled crispy bacon) evenly on top of the cheese sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

  1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
  2. Uncover and Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve: Serve the cheesy scalloped potatoes as a delicious side dish to complement roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a hearty main course on its own.

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Add a Crunch: If you like a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking and then broil for a few minutes to get that golden, crunchy texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes the day before and bake them the next day. Just refrigerate the assembled dish, then bake it as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.
  • Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.

Conclusion:

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon are a decadent and comforting side dish that everyone will love. With layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a golden, bubbling cheese topping, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight treat. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich and delicious flavors that will surely have everyone coming back for more!

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