Creating cheesy scalloped potatoes is a straightforward process when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
– In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
– Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until smooth.
– Add salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (if using) and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
5. Layer the Potatoes: Place a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Repeat Layers: Continue layering the potatoes, cheese sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Rest: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.

These steps will guide you to create an incredible dish that will surely impress anyone who tries it.