"Cheesy scalloped potatoes smothered in a classic creamy sauce then topped with extra cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. A simple side dish for the holidays or for a weeknight family meal."
8 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 ½ shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika, optional for garnish
Chopped chives, optional for garnish
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13″x 9″ baking dish.
For the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until a paste forms. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly, until a thick white sauce forms. Stir in 2 cups of cheese and remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
In the casserole dish, arrange ½ of the sliced potatoes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper. Pour ½ of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the second layer with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese and paprika on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are cooked through and tops are lightly browned, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Top with chopped chives if desired.
Note: for an added kick, add a little cayenne pepper!