Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously.
Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an added kick.
Thicken the Sauce: Continue to whisk the sauce over low heat until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil. This will create a creamy base for your scalloped potatoes.
Incorporate Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Layering: In a lightly greased one-quart casserole dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are fully coated.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of sliced potatoes on top of the cheese sauce, followed by the remaining sauce. Ensure the top layer of potatoes is evenly covered with the sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the dish for an extra cheesy finish. For added color and flavor, sprinkle a little paprika on top.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately one hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the foil and allow the scalloped potatoes to cool slightly before serving. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main attraction, these cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
