Imagine layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a creamy, decadently cheesy sauce, bubbling and golden right out of the oven—Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are everything a comfort food should be. This classic dish is always a hit at family gatherings or holiday feasts, offering a blend of rich flavors, irresistible textures, and an inviting aroma that fills the whole house. Whether you’re serving them up for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on a cozy night in, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes will quickly become a go-to favorite on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how the humble, straightforward ingredients magically transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. Each component brings something essential—creamy, savory, sharp, or aromatic—and together, they’re pure potato bliss.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and helps the onions soften beautifully.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth, enhancing the creaminess.
- Garlic (minced): Lends a subtle, aromatic punch for extra flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect, velvety texture.
- Whole milk: Balances richness and lightness, giving the sauce a smooth consistency.
- Heavy cream: Brings luxurious body to the sauce for truly indulgent Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and prevent blandness.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy warmth to every bite.
- Paprika: A sprinkle adds color and a gentle hint of smokiness.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the dish with a rustic, herby aroma that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey blanket that pulls it all together.
- Yukon Gold or russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced): The heart of the dish, offering a creamy bite once baked.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything is piping hot and ready to go. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray—this step ensures nothing sticks and those delicious crispy edges form.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and patiently cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds—a little goes a long way. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux, and cook for one minute so the sauce loses any raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add Dairy and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and cream, stirring non-stop until the sauce thickens up, roughly 4–5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the sauce should coat your spoon. Now, add the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, adjusting to your taste. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s fully melted and luxuriously smooth.
Step 4: Layer Potatoes and Sauce
Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it gently to cover as much as possible. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and finish off with the rest of the luscious sauce. Sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of cheese evenly on top for that mouthwatering golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to trap in moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top turns irresistibly golden and bubbly. Don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking—this allows the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to set up so each serving holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle on some fresh parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of color and a subtle touch of freshness. If you want to get fancy, a little bit of crumbled crispy bacon or a dusting of extra paprika can take your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes over the top, both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes play so well with a variety of main dishes, from roasted chicken and baked ham to grilled vegetables or a hearty salad. Their creamy, indulgent profile makes them especially welcome at holiday tables, but they’re also perfect for Sunday dinners or potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes into ramekins for individual servings—these make charming sides at dinner parties. Or serve them straight from the casserole in rustic, generous scoops for a homey, inviting presentation. For brunch, they’re also great alongside eggs and a bit of smoked salmon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes keep surprisingly well! Cool them completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify as they sit, so some say day-two potatoes are even better.
Freezing
To freeze, let the potatoes cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or use a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—the texture will be closest to freshly baked.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for a few more minutes to restore that golden top. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven method keeps the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes their signature flavor, you can also try mixes like cheddar and Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for a saltier kick.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
It’s recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you’re a fan of rustic dishes or using thin-skinned Yukon Golds, you can leave the peels on. Just be sure to scrub them well.
How thin should the potato slices be?
Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Uniform slices cook evenly and result in perfectly tender layers—using a mandoline makes this super easy and consistent.
Can Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes be made ahead?
Yes! Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for more milk or use half-and-half. Just keep in mind the sauce may be a bit less rich but still deliciously comforting.
Final Thoughts
If you crave comfort and plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a must-try. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to steal the show at any meal—so go ahead and add them to your next menu. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that make for the perfect side dish for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a decadent cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, cook onion until soft, add garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Season and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until melted.
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the potatoes in the dish, top with half of the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let sit before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, mix cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
