My husband made this the night I came home exhausted, and one bite melted the whole day away
Scalloped Potatoes and Onions
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor, these Scalloped Potatoes and Onions are a timeless side dish made with simple pantry staples. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and sweet sautéed onions are nestled beneath a rich cheddar cream sauce, then baked until tender with a beautifully golden, bubbly topping. It’s the perfect companion to roasted meats, grilled chicken, or your favorite family dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced | 4 large |
| Medium onions, thinly sliced | 2 |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter, divided | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and lightly caramelized.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the sautéed onions, sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and spoon over half of the cream sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, cheese, and sauce.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, lightly browned, and bubbling, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole stand for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly and the layers hold together.
Tip
For the best texture, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Allowing the casserole to cool slightly helps the creamy sauce settle, making each serving easier to slice while keeping every bite rich, tender, and delicious.
