Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in warmed milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheddar and ¼ cup Parmesan until melted.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over them.
- Layer remaining potatoes and pour remaining cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For the best results, use quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. You can substitute different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for variation. The potatoes should be sliced thinly and uniformly for even cooking. Make ahead tip: You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. The paprika adds both color and a subtle smoky note to the dish.
