Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes

 Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

– 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. **Prepare the Potatoes**:
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

3. **Make the Sauce**:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. **Layer the Potatoes and Sauce**:
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Add the remaining potato slices on top and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the potatoes.

5. **Top with Parmesan**:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

6. **Bake**:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

7. **Garnish and Serve**:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

– For an added layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of chopped bacon or ham between the layers of potatoes.
– Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices of potatoes which will cook more uniformly.

Enjoy these creamy baked scalloped potatoes as a hearty side dish or even as a main course paired with a crisp green salad.

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Feel free to let me know if you need any more details or adjustments!