Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes (Printer-Friendly Version)

Tender potatoes in garlic cream, cheesy layers, and chives for a golden, bubbling, comforting side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sauce Base

01 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 1/2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder or kosher salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Potatoes & Cheeses

08 - 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/8–1/4 inch thick
09 - 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with unsalted butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
02 - Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly for 2 minutes to develop a smooth pale roux.
03 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring gently, for 4–6 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in chicken bouillon powder or kosher salt, additional sea salt to taste, and freshly ground black pepper until fully dissolved.
05 - Arrange half of the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
06 - Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the parmesan cheese.
07 - Layer remaining potato slices over the cheese. Top with remaining sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan over the surface.
08 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften thoroughly.
09 - Remove foil and continue baking for 30 minutes until cheese is golden and the sauce bubbles. For a crisper surface, broil on high 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10 - Let rest a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Scatter chopped fresh chives across the bubbling top and serve warm.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Shred cheeses from whole blocks for optimal melting and flavor.
02 - Thin, even potato slices (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) ensure uniform tenderness throughout the casserole.
03 - Allow the dish to rest briefly out of the oven to ensure a creamy yet set texture.
04 - Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days; reheat gently to maintain a smooth sauce.
05 - Substitute Russet or red potatoes if Yukon Golds are unavailable for consistent results.
06 - For a vegetarian version, use vegetable bouillon in place of chicken bouillon powder.