Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ah, cheesy scalloped potatoes—what a dish! Whenever I think of it, I’m transported back to family gatherings where this creamy, cheesy delight was always the star of the show. The aroma wafting through the house as they baked was enough to have everyone lining up for seconds (and thirds)! And let me tell you, this Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a game changer. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious.
Picture this: you’re walking into the house after a long day, and in just under an hour, you’re sitting down to a delicious homemade cheesy masterpiece. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish brings everyone together. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to feast!
What’s in Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
– 3 cups frozen diced potatoes (or 4 cups fresh potatoes, peeled and chopped): Using frozen potatoes is a fantastic time-saver, but fresh ones add an earthy flavor that’s just hard to resist. I often go for frozen for convenience, but when I have the time, fresh potatoes can really elevate this dish.
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the secret weapon! It provides that creaminess and rich flavor that makes scalloped potatoes simply irresistible. If you’re in the mood for something vegetarian, you can find a cream of mushroom soup that works just as well!
– 1 cup milk: Milk helps to give the sauce that wonderful creamy texture. I prefer whole milk for the extra richness, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): You can’t have cheesy potatoes without the cheesy part, right? I like to use sharp cheddar because it packs a flavor punch, but mild works too!
– 1 tsp garlic powder: This adds depth to the flavor profile. Who doesn’t love garlic?
– 1 tsp onion powder: A subtle sweetness paired with the garlic that nobody can resist.
– 1/2 tsp salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the other wonderful flavors.
– 1/4 tsp black pepper: A pinch of this brings some warmth and balances the dish beautifully.
– 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): This adds a delightful crunch on top! Personally, I’m a sucker for the cornflakes—they get so crispy in the oven!
– 2 tbsp butter (optional, for topping): Because, why not? A little extra butter on top makes everything better!
Is Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Good for You?
Let’s be real here—it’s cheese and potatoes, so we’re diving into the comfort food category! But fear not, because there are some redeeming qualities too.
Starting with potatoes: they are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially if you leave the skins on!). The added cheddar cheese provides protein and calcium. While the cream of chicken soup does offer convenience, be mindful of sodium levels if you’re watching your salt intake.
If you decide to add some cooked diced ham or bacon, they bring in extra protein but also add some saturated fat. So maybe just stick to serving it as a side dish instead of the main event, and balance it out with a lovely salad for dinner. After all, everything in moderation!
Ingredients List
– 3 cups frozen diced potatoes (or 4 cups fresh potatoes, peeled and chopped)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– 2 tbsp butter (optional, for topping)
How to Make Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the frozen diced potatoes to the mixture and stir until they are evenly coated.
4. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until all the cheesy goodness is evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
5. Pour the potato and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. If you want that extra crunch, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the top and dot with small pieces of butter.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, if you can resist the delightful aroma!
Delicious Extras to Consider!
– Serve as a side dish with your favorite meats like roasted chicken or steak. It pairs beautifully with whatever you throw on the grill too!
– Try making it ahead of time! Just prepare everything and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It can even be left overnight!
– Want to add a twist? Toss in some cooked diced ham or crispy bacon to amp up the flavor even more. Your taste buds will thank you!
Before you know it, this Shortcut Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes will become your go-to recipe! I can’t wait for you to try it yourselves. And when you do, please come back and share your experiences or any fun variations you made—let’s inspire each other to greatness in the kitchen! Happy cooking!
