Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a favorite comfort food

When it comes to comfort food, it's hard to top these cheesy scalloped potatoes. Even if you are cooking for two, there is nothing better than having a pan of these to graze from, whether it's breakfast or dinner, throughout the week.

Scalloped potatoes is the American name for potatoes gratine. I've always felt the French version seemed a little fancy, if you know what I mean — delicious, don't get me wrong, but best reserved for special occasions. Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, seem a bit more “everyday.” (Perhaps this is because, like many people my age, I probably first encountered them straight from a box.)

Of course, there are millions of variations on the recipe, but they all usually consist of layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a thick sauce of milk or cream. Plenty of variables come into play (milk or cream, parmesan or Gruyere, fresh herbs or not), but really, it all comes down to the preference of the cook. The fun is in the finding out!

Both baking potatoes, such as russets, and boiling potatoes, like Yukon Gold, work in these types of recipes. Baking potatoes are low-moisture, meaning they won't hold their shape as well as other types, but all their starches will help create a thick, silky sauce. Boiling potatoes will hold up a bit better during baking and remain more firm. I just say, use what you have on hand or what you know you like.

When it comes to cooking the potatoes, some recipes call for baking them low-and-slow, but I prefer par-cooking the potatoes on the stovetop before they go in the oven, which ensures the potatoes are seasoned evenly throughout. You can use water, stock, milk or cream to parboil the potatoes. (Sometimes, flour is also added to help thicken the sauce. I don't use it in this recipe, but I might had I used boiling potatoes or wanted to eliminate the heavy cream.)

Scalloped potatoes are definitely a recipe worth keeping in your arsenal, especially for those nights when you deserve an extra special treat. These are scrumptious served warm from the oven, but I think they get even better as they cool. In fact, I actually prefer them cooked and reheated the next day.

Nealey Dozier is a writer for TheKitchn.com, a blog for people who love food and home cooking.

Scalloped Potatoes With Onions and Cheddar Cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing baking dish

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk and 2 cups water)

2 to 3 cloves garlic, smashed

1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard (or dry mustard powder)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 ¹⁄₂ pounds (about 6 medium) baking potatoes, peeled

1 ¹⁄₂ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

³⁄₄ cup heavy cream

Heat an oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a medium sized (1 ¹⁄₂- to 2-quart) gratin or baking dish.

In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until softened, for about 5 minutes. Add the milk (or milk and water), garlic and Dijon mustard, and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, slice the potatoes to ¹⁄₈-inch thickness, using a food processor or mandoline for even thickness. (Do not rinse the potatoes.) Add the potatoes to the milk and allow them to simmer until they are almost tender — they should still have some resistance when poked with a paring knife — for about 10 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the potatoes and onions to the baking dish. (Discard the milk or save it for another culinary use.) Season generously with salt and pepper and top with ³⁄₄ cup of the cheddar cheese. Cover that layer with the remaining potato mixture, season again with salt and pepper and top with the remaining cheese. Pour the cream evenly over the potatoes and cheese.

Bake until crisp and golden on top, for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Allow the potatoes to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. (Leftovers make a perfect breakfast side.)

Makes 6 to 8 servings.