Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Potatoes: 3. Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes, keeping the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
Make the Cheese Sauce: 4. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 5. Create the Roux: Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color. 6. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. 7. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. 8. Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Dish: 9. First Layer: Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. 10. Add Bacon and Onions: Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the potato layer. 11. Pour Cheese Sauce: Evenly pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, bacon, and onions. 12. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheese sauce.
Bake: 13. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 14. Add More Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. 15. Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: 16. Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Helpful Tips for Enhancing the Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, high-quality cheese, and freshly cooked bacon enhance the overall flavor.
Experiment with Cheese:
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