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Cozy Cheap Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Under 5 Dollars Easy and Delicious

cozy cheap scalloped potatoes - featured image

A comforting and budget-friendly scalloped potatoes recipe featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with subtle seasonings. Perfect for cozy meals and easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch or 3mm thick)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) milk, preferably whole milk or 2%
  • 1 Β½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Β½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • A small pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
  2. Peel and slice about 2 pounds (900g) of russet potatoes into thin, even slices about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (480ml) of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon smoothly.
  5. Add 1 Β½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Β½ teaspoon garlic powder, Β½ teaspoon onion powder (optional), a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the dish. Pour over half of the cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick before baking, whisk in a splash more milk to loosen it. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, dairy-free cheese, and a gluten-free thickener.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheap recipe, cozy dinner, easy side dish, budget-friendly, comfort food, cheesy potatoes