Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

At a recent family dinner I wanted to change up our potato dish.  Scalloped Potatoes are usually a hit, and I shook up the standard scalloped potato recipe a little, and I really loved the results.  Here is my recipe:

Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

5 cups potatoes, washed, peeled and sliced thinly

1/3 cup onion, minced
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Dash red chili pepper flakes
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika

Preheat oven to 350F.

Prepare a 9 x 13 baking or casserole dish (lightly greased).

In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour.  Add in the milk and whisk again.  Add in the minced onion, salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, cayenne and chili pepper flakes.  Cook on low until smooth and boiling.

Reduce heat, add in 1 1/3 cups of cheddar cheese.  Stir to melt the cheese (this will only take a moment).

Evenly place half of the sliced potatoes into your prepared baking dish. Spoon 1/3-1/2 of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.  Evenly place the remaining potatoes over the first layer and cover with the remaining cheese sauce.  Top with the remaining grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle with paprika.

Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are done.

VERDICT:
Unless they were lying to me, these potatoes were a hit with the family (including my parents and brother and sister-in-law and kids).  I really really likes the smoky flavour of these potatoes, as did my hubby.  They had just enough kick to shake up our standard scalloped potatoes.  Another winner in my books :-)