There’s something truly comforting about a classic potato dish, and this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe brings all those warm, creamy, and cheesy vibes straight to your table. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce with a perfect golden crust on top — it’s a dish that feels like a big hug in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy side, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and irresistible texture that make this dish so memorable.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 ½ pounds): These starchy potatoes slice beautifully and absorb all that creamy sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Brings creaminess without overpowering the cheese.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious depth for that decadent mouthfeel.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): The star ingredient for that bold cheesy punch.
- Parmesan cheese, shredded (½ cup): Adds a nutty, savory finish to the topping.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances savory notes without extra chopping.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to brighten the whole dish.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a lovely herbal note.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so those creamy potatoes won’t stick. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Having consistent slices helps everything cook evenly and creates those beautiful layers we all love.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt your butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to form a roux — this is the secret to a smooth, thick sauce without lumps. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until everything is combined and silky. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Now, stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for an added flavor boost. Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese off the heat until melted and luxuriously smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Time to build those delicious layers! Place half of the sliced potatoes neatly in the baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Pour half of your creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure to coat each slice. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. For an irresistible cheesy crust, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar and the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbling golden brown. Let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving — this wait is worth it, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds the perfect fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the potatoes, rounding out every bite effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is the ideal hearty side to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a vibrant vegetable dish. Think roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic green beans, or a crisp salad to contrast the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and broil the tops just before serving for an extra crispy crust. Or layer in cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions between potato layers for added flavor and texture surprises that wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making reheated portions just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adding extra time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to keep the top from drying out, uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp the cheese topping again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and Russets work best for their starch content and texture, but you can try red or other waxy potatoes; just note they’ll be firmer and may bake slightly differently.
Is there a way to make this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for extra milk or half-and-half to reduce fat. Using part-skim cheeses also helps, but keep in mind it might change the creaminess and depth of flavor slightly.
How do I get the cheese sauce smooth and lump-free?
The key is slowly whisking the milk into the roux and cooking it gently. Be patient when stirring in the cheese off the heat to avoid curdling — this keeps your sauce silky and smooth.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and bake it fresh the next day. This makes holiday cooking much easier and lets flavors marry beautifully.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Yes! Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina can bring new flavors and textures. Mixing cheeses is a great way to personalize the dish to your taste and impress your friends and family.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create magic in your kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with comforting warmth, perfect for any day you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you’ll reach for again and again — pure potato bliss that never goes out of style!
Print
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is perfect for holidays or any special meal, offering layers of tender potatoes and gooey melted cheese topped with a golden, bubbly crust.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly.
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining potatoes as a second layer and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly again.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin cooking through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions between the layers.
- A mandoline slicer helps ensure evenly thin potatoes for consistent cooking.
- You can swap in Gruyère or mozzarella cheese for a different cheesy variation.
