Picture this: a bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish emerges from your oven, filling the air with the irresistible scent of melted cheese and buttery potatoes. That, my friend, is the comforting magic of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This dish transforms humble potatoes into a creamy, savory showstopper that’s equally at home beside a holiday roast or as a decadent addition to your weeknight table. With layers of tender slices bathed in a luscious cheese sauce and a perfectly crisp, cheesy top, these scalloped potatoes are pure comfort food bliss.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how each ingredient sings in harmony, creating a dish that’s both simple and positively indulgent. Every element – from fresh potatoes to sharp cheddar and a hint of spice – lends its touch of flavor, color, or texture, making the final result gloriously rich and memorable.

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 1/2 pounds): Slice them thinly for creamy, perfectly tender layers; Yukon Golds give a buttery flavor, while russets break down creamier.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds that unmistakable rich base to the sauce and helps create a velvety texture.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Whisked with the butter, it creates the roux that thickens your cheese sauce without clumping.
Whole Milk (2 cups): Lends creaminess and keeps the sauce light enough to soak into every potato slice.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Brings luxurious body and a silky finish to the sauce.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Essential for drawing out the potato flavor and balancing the richness of the cheese.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle kick that complements the mellow flavors.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides subtle depth and warmth without overpowering.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends savory complexity and rounds out the flavor profile.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds golden color and the faintest whisper of smokiness.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The star of the show; sharp cheddar ensures every bite is deeply cheesy and satisfying.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for a burst of nutty, salty flavor and that signature crisp crust.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal lift.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the potatoes don’t stick and makes serving a breeze. Setting up your workspace now means a smoother process as you assemble those heavenly layers later!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just foamy. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it for about a minute, letting it gently bubble without browning – this forms the magic base of your sauce. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly so you don’t get lumps. Keep going until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes. Now, stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a flavorful, fragrant finish. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, whisking until it’s completely smooth and melty.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of your thin-sliced potatoes in even, slightly overlapping layers in the prepared dish. There’s no need for perfection – just aim for coverage. Spoon half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure it seeps down in between. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, so every nook is bathed in that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Top with More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This duo forms the irresistible, cheesy crust that defines great Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. You’ll want the edges especially covered, as those bits get nice and crispy in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to steam and start to become tender. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes – watch for the top to turn golden brown and for the sauce to bubble up invitingly at the edges. A short rest (about 10 minutes) before serving lets the sauce thicken and the flavors settle so your slices come out perfect every time.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for a burst of color and a bright pop to cut the richness. Cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of paprika can also look and taste fantastic on the luscious cheesy crust.

Side Dishes

These creamy potatoes are brilliant beside everything from holiday mains like glazed ham or roast turkey to simple grilled sausages or a crisp green salad. Their decadence is the perfect counterpoint to any main – even a bowl of these and steamed veggies make a comforting vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes into mini, oven-safe ramekins for personal servings at dinner parties. For a rustic touch, try baking and serving right in a cast-iron skillet. Or turn leftovers into a super-satisfying brunch by topping reheated slices with a perfect fried egg!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also transfer portions to an airtight container. Stored this way in the fridge, they’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers a special treat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, allow the potatoes to cool completely first. Place in a tightly covered freezer-safe dish or divide into portions, wrapping well in foil and plastic wrap. Frozen Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes will keep for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked magic, cover the leftovers and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes for a big dish). Individual servings can go in the microwave, but the oven is best for keeping the top deliciously crispy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold are classic for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, red potatoes will also work. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking, and know that different potatoes may yield slightly different textures.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To keep your cheese sauce ultra-smooth, always add the cheddar off the heat and stir until melted. Also, make sure your milk and cream aren’t ice cold – room temperature dairy helps prevent curdling as it blends more easily with the roux.

Is it possible to make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish (up through the cheese topping) up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar?

Cheddar is the classic, but you can mix things up with Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the flavor profile. Just be sure the cheese melts well and complements the potatoes’ creaminess.

Can I add extra flavors or ingredients?

Definitely! Try layering in sautéed onions, some crispy bacon, or even thin-sliced ham between the potatoes. Herbs like thyme or chopped chives also offer a wonderful, fresh aroma to the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food, don’t miss out on making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Every bite is a little celebration of creamy, cheesy, potato-filled happiness. Give this recipe a try and let it bring warmth and smiles to your table – you just might find a new favorite for holidays and every cozy gathering in between!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. A perfect side dish for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened, then stir in seasonings and cheddar cheese until melted.
Layer potatoes: Arrange half of the potatoes in the dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over them, then repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Bake: Top with remaining cheeses, cover with foil, and bake. Remove foil and bake until golden and bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin potato slices.
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or cooked bacon between the layers.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American