Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes #christmas #dinner

These Easy, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked to perfection. With a quick shortcut, this classic side dish takes less than an hour from start to finish. They are sure to be a hit at your holiday feast.

INGREDIENTS :

• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk or half & half
• Salt & pepper
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) freshly shredded cheddar cheese + 1/4 cup for topping
• Paprika, for garnish
• Fresh chopped chives or parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F and grease a 13"x9" baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Scrub potatoes and place them, whole, into the boiling water. Cook for about 20 minutes. Remove from the water and let sit until cool enough to handle.
3. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until flour is golden brown; about 2 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring often, until thickened; about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently peel potatoes and slice into 1/8 inch rounds. Place 1/3 of the
5. potatoes overlapping in a single layer in the baking dish, seasoning with salt and pepper. Spoon about 1/3 of the cheese sauce on top of the potatoes.
6. Repeat for two more layers. Pour all of the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes. Spread to ensure all of the potatoes are covered.
7. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (if desired) and paprika (about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon.
8. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.