If you’ve been craving the ultimate comfort food, your search ends here with these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy layers of tender potato slices are baked to bubbly perfection, making every bite a heartwarming reminder of just how satisfying a side dish can be. This recipe balances rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners alike. Get ready to make a dish that’s as dazzlingly delicious as it is simple to prepare!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of classic, humble ingredients come together to create the irresistible flavor and texture that defines cheesy scalloped potatoes. Each element has a starring role—whether it’s the creamy base, gooey cheeses, or the gentle kick of garlic—so don’t skip a thing!

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 pounds): The backbone of this dish—choose potatoes that slice thin and hold their shape beautifully after baking.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce and helps develop a golden, flavorful base for the cheese and milk.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the cheese sauce with aromatic depth; feel free to add an extra clove if you love garlic’s earthy charm.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Key for thickening the sauce into a perfectly creamy consistency.
Whole Milk (1 and 1/2 cups): Offers a creamy texture that’s not overly heavy, blending smoothly with the other dairy elements.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds indulgent silkiness, transforming this dish into a true comfort food experience.
Salt (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors—potatoes especially need the extra seasoning.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a little heat and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle savoriness to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds gentle color and a hint of smoky flavor. Highly recommended for a little extra flair!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 and 1/2 cups): The main cheesy component—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and packs a tangy punch.
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Gives the top that irresistible gooey, stretchy finish everyone loves.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkle over the top for a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This crucial step ensures your potatoes won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. A good nonstick spray or a touch of butter will do the trick, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute—just until it’s fragrant and starting to turn golden. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which thickens your sauce without any lumps. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go, until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and optional paprika. Continue stirring for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Off the heat, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is entirely smooth and gooey. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in a slightly overlapping pattern on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of your creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, using a spatula to make sure it covers every surface. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, then top with the rest of the sauce. This layering guarantees every bite has plenty of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Add More Cheese on Top

Nothing says “cheesy scalloped potatoes” like that irresistible golden crust! Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella evenly over the top layer. This final touch gives the dish its iconic bubbly, golden finish once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the potatoes steam and soften while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes. This is where the magic really happens—the cheese browns, the sauce thickens, and your kitchen smells absolutely dreamy. The dish is ready when the top is bubbly and golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove your masterpiece from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and the sauce to thicken just a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, inviting finish—if you’re feeling extra fancy!

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will give your cheesy scalloped potatoes a splash of color and fresh flavor. If you love a little extra character, a light dusting of smoked paprika, thinly sliced scallions, or a few crispy bacon bits can also make your dish truly memorable for guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes shine alongside classic main dishes like baked ham, roasted turkey, grilled steak, or nutty lentil loaf for a vegetarian spread. Round out your table with crisp green beans, a fresh garden salad, or roasted carrots to add color and balance to your meal. These potatoes are just as welcome at Sunday suppers as they are at festive holiday feasts!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want a more playful approach, portion your cheesy scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for impressive personal servings. For a rustic look, try baking them in a cast-iron skillet. Or, dress things up by finishing the top with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan or chives for that extra special touch. No matter how you present them, they’ll steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes store like a dream. Place any cooled portions in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep happily for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if your leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for busy nights or special occasions, these potatoes freeze beautifully. Simply let your cheesy scalloped potatoes cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil. Frozen, they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Bring your leftovers back to life by placing them in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions until warmed through, though the oven gives the top that coveted crispy finish. A splash of cream or milk can help restore the creamy texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold are famous for their creamy texture and ability to hold up during baking, you can experiment with red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just aim for potatoes that slice thin and hold their shape well—this ensures the dish cooks evenly and maintains its beautiful layers.

Why do my scalloped potatoes turn out watery sometimes?

If your cheesy scalloped potatoes have too much liquid, it usually means the potatoes weren’t sliced thin enough or the sauce wasn’t thickened adequately. For best results, use a mandoline to achieve even, thin slices and let your roux cook for the full 4–5 minutes so it thickens up nicely before layering.

Can I add extra flavors to my cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Definitely! This recipe is a perfect canvas for creativity. Try layering in caramelized onions, crispy bacon, chopped chives, or even swapping half the cheddar for gruyere for a sophisticated twist. Just remember to keep the proportions of cheese and potatoes balanced for the best melt and creamy texture.

How do I prevent the top from getting too brown or drying out?

Baking the dish covered with foil for the first half of the cook time helps trap moisture and gently cook the potatoes. When you remove the foil, keep an eye on the dish—if the top browns faster than you’d like, just pop the foil back on for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Are cheesy scalloped potatoes gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce, which contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch (mixed with a splash of milk) as a thickener for a delicious gluten-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

Warm, golden, and absolutely overflowing with cheesy comfort, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are pure joy on any table. I hope you make them soon as a side or a show-stopping centerpiece—because everyone deserves a little extra coziness (and cheese!) in their life. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of these delicious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 and 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
Layer potatoes and sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over them, and repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until golden brown and tender. Let rest before serving, garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions between layers.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American