Imagine sinking your fork into layers of tender potatoes, drenched in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. This four-cheese garlic scalloped potatoes recipe is a decadent side dish that will elevate any meal. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, this dish combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.
With four different types of cheese working in harmony, each mouthful bursts with flavor, making it a favorite among cheese lovers. The garlic adds a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the cheeses, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to a delightful experience.
Indulgent Layers of Flavor
The charm of four-cheese garlic scalloped potatoes lies in its comforting layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, enveloped in a creamy garlic-infused sauce. Each layer showcases a delightful combination of textures, from the tender potatoes to the gooey, bubbling cheese on top.
This dish not only brings warmth to the table but also serves as a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Pair it with roasted meats or serve it during festive feasts, and you’ll quickly find it becoming a family favorite.
A Medley of Cheeses
The heart of this dish is its impressive blend of four different cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Each cheese contributes unique flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation.
Cheddar brings a sharpness, while mozzarella offers a creamy pull. Gruyère adds a nutty depth, and Parmesan finishes with a salty richness. Together, they create an irresistibly cheesy experience that elevates the humble potato to new heights.
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is where the magic happens. Combining heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg creates a rich base that seeps into every potato slice. This sauce not only enhances the flavor but also binds the layers together, resulting in a cohesive dish.
Pouring this mixture over the layered potatoes ensures that every bite is infused with the delightful essence of garlic and cheese. It’s the kind of creaminess that will have guests reaching for seconds.
Baking to Golden Perfection
The baking process is crucial for achieving that golden, bubbling top. Starting with a covered dish allows the potatoes to cook through while absorbing all the wonderful flavors. As the foil is removed, the heat intensifies, transforming the cheese into a beautifully browned crust.
Timing is key here, as the final moments in the oven create that irresistible texture contrast between the creamy interior and the crispy topping. It’s a visual and culinary treat that promises to delight everyone at the table.
An Inviting Presentation
Once out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Presented on a rustic wooden table, the scalloped potatoes radiate warmth and comfort, making it a welcoming addition to any meal.
The sight of bubbling cheese and the aroma of garlic immediately invite guests to indulge. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart, creating memorable moments around the dining table.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Four-cheese garlic scalloped potatoes shine as a side dish, but they can also take center stage at a gathering. Pair them with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a juicy roast chicken or herb-crusted beef. The combination of flavors will make every dining experience feel special, ensuring that this dish is cherished long after the last bite is taken.
Indulgent Four-Cheese Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are creamy and cheesy with layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates a rich, gooey texture that’s hard to resist. Each serving is packed with flavor, making it a stellar side for roasted meats or a festive feast.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until well mixed.
- Add Cheese: Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a mix of the four cheeses. Repeat the layering process until all potatoes and cheese are used up, ensuring the final layer is cheese.
- Bake: Cover the 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 top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g