Decadent Cheesy Scalloped Potato Bake
Indulge in this mouthwatering Decadent Cheesy Scalloped Potato Bake, a true comfort food classic that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This dish features layers of tender potatoes and savory onions, all lovingly cocooned in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that blends the sharpness of cheddar with the luxurious creaminess of brie. Perfectly topped with crispy bacon, this casserole is an excellent choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack for a delightful twist and a bit of extra zing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
milk
2 cups (whole)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
brie cheese
4 ounces (rind removed)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
large potatoes
5 (scrubbed and thinly sliced)
small onions
2 (thinly sliced)
bacon
4 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux.
3
Slowly add the milk to the roux, stirring continually until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently. This can also be done in the microwave if you prefer.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and brie. Continue stirring until fully melted and combined, creating a smooth cheese sauce.
5
Grease a large casserole dish with butter.
6
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Follow with half of the sliced onions and half of the crumbled bacon.
7
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer, spreading evenly.
8
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, bacon, and top with the remaining cheese sauce. You can add additional layers for a heartier casserole if desired.
9
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Cheesy Scalloped Potato Bake?
It is a comfort food classic featuring layers of potatoes and onions in a rich sauce made from cheddar and brie cheese, topped with crispy bacon.
What kinds of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of brie cheese with the rind removed.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack for a delightful twist and extra zing.
How many potatoes do I need for this dish?
You will need 5 large potatoes that have been scrubbed and thinly sliced.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the potato bake need to cook?
The dish bakes for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered with foil and 15 minutes uncovered.
How do I prepare the onions?
Use 2 small onions and ensure they are thinly sliced before layering.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is to melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan and gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to create a roux.
What kind of milk is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole milk.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The 4 slices of bacon should be cooked until they are crisp and then crumbled.
Can I make the sauce in the microwave?
Yes, the instructions mention that thickening the milk and flour mixture can be done in the microwave.
How do I prepare the brie cheese?
The rind should be removed from the 4 ounces of brie before stirring it into the sauce.
Is it necessary to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, you should grease a large casserole dish with butter before you start layering the ingredients.
How are the ingredients layered?
Layer half of the potatoes, then half the onions, half the bacon, and half the cheese sauce; then repeat the process.
Can I add more layers to the casserole?
Yes, you can add additional layers for a heartier casserole if desired.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes helps the potatoes cook through without burning the top.
How do I know when the scalloped potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown.
Should I serve the dish immediately after taking it out of the oven?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is specifically described as an excellent choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, casserole, cheesy potatoes, scalloped potatoes, one dish meal, and side dish.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 4 slices of bacon.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter for the sauce.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
No, the nutritional data for fiber is currently listed as null in the records.
What is the primary category for this dish?
While the category field is empty, the tags identify it as a side dish and a one-dish meal.
Can I use smaller potatoes?
The recipe specifies 5 large potatoes, so if using smaller ones, you should increase the count to match the volume.
Is the cheese sauce smooth or chunky?
The cheese should be stirred into the milk mixture until fully melted and combined to create a smooth sauce.
What makes this potato bake decadent?
The combination of a rich roux-based sauce, whole milk, sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and crispy bacon makes it decadent.