**Scalloped Potatoes**

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#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

2. **Prepare the Potatoes**
Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes into even, thin rounds. A mandoline slicer works well for this, ensuring uniform slices for even cooking. Set the slices aside in a bowl of water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.

3. **Make the Creamy Sauce**
In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. **Add the Cream and Milk**
Stir in the **heavy cream** and **whole milk**, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **paprika** (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

5. **Layer the Potatoes**
Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out to coat them evenly.

6. **Add Cheese**
Sprinkle half of the shredded **cheddar cheese** over the first layer of potatoes and sauce. Repeat the layers: add the remaining potatoes, pour the rest of the sauce over, and top with the remaining cheese.

7. **Bake the Scalloped Potatoes**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for **45 minutes**. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional **30-40 minutes** until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy top, you can sprinkle grated **Parmesan cheese** on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce is thickened, remove the dish from the oven. Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped **thyme** or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

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### **Why You’ll Love Scalloped Potatoes**

**Scalloped Potatoes** are a true comfort food favorite, loved for their creamy texture and savory flavor. The rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender, thinly sliced potatoes creates a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—few ingredients are needed, yet the result is a decadent, flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with meats, poultry, or a simple green salad.

Whether you’re preparing this dish for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just a cozy dinner at home, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The richness of the cream and the cheesy goodness of the cheddar make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy every palate.

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### **Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes**

– **Use Starchy Potatoes**: Russet potatoes are the best choice for scalloped potatoes because their starchy texture helps create a creamy sauce as they bake.
– **Slice Evenly**: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this job.
– **Don’t Skip the Resting Time**: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
– **Customize the Cheese**: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This can save you time, especially for holiday meals.

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### **Final Thoughts**

**Scalloped Potatoes** are the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. With tender layers of potatoes, a rich and flavorful sauce, and a perfectly golden, bubbly top, this dish will become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. It’s perfect for any gathering, and its rich flavor will leave your guests coming back for more.

So next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious, make a batch of these **Scalloped Potatoes** and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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How does this sound? Would you like to make any adjustments or add something special to the recipe?