- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them, aiming for uniform thickness. You can use a mandoline for even slices.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
- Add Cheese:
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheese until melted. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
- Layer Potatoes in Baking Dish:
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring an even coating.
- Repeat the layering process until you run out of potatoes and sauce, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Cheese Topping:
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the scalloped potatoes warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Enjoy the creamy and indulgent goodness of homemade scalloped potatoes!