If you're looking for that perfect comfort food dish that warms not just your belly but your soul, these Cheesy Herb Scalloped Potatoes are just the ticket. With layers of tender potatoes, rich cheeses, and fragrant herbs, this dish is a match made in heaven for any family dinner or festive gathering.
Russet potatoes are perfect here for their starchy quality, which helps thicken the sauce naturally as they cook. Heavy cream provides the richness that makes this dish so indulgent. The trio of cheeses — Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan — brings depth and flavor complexity, with each cheese offering something unique: creaminess, sharpness, and a nutty finish, respectively. The fresh herbs, including parsley, thyme, and chives, add brightness and color, making every bite fresh and exciting. Garlic and onion form the aromatic base, while unsalted butter enhances the flavor and helps achieve that golden crust we all love. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper ties everything together.
These scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, balancing the richness. They also make an excellent side to roast chicken or grilled steak, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to butter your 9x13 inch baking dish well, ensuring nothing sticks and you get those satisfying layers. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add in the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they're soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step really sets the stage for the flavors to come.
Meanwhile, gently heat the heavy cream in a saucepan. You don't want it to boil, just warm it up nicely. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and half of the herbs. This infuses the cream, making sure that every layer is seasoned perfectly.
Now, let's get to the layering. Start with half of your potato slices in the prepared dish, spreading them out evenly. Follow this with half of your sautéed onion mixture and then sprinkle on half of the Gruyere and cheddar cheeses. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, onion mixture, and cheeses. It's like building a delicious, cheesy lasagna of potatoes.
Once your layers are set, pour the warm cream mixture over everything. Make sure it seeps down through the layers to coat every slice. Top it all off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh herbs for that final touch of flavor and color.
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. This initial bake will cook the potatoes through. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the top gets golden brown and the cheese bubbles beautifully.
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. Trust me, the wait is worth it!