There is something undeniably comforting and utterly mouthwatering about a classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that bakes into golden, bubbling perfection. Each bite is a harmonious blend of smooth, cheesy goodness and delicate potato texture, making it a beloved side dish perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you crave a warm, nostalgic treat. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will become a staple in your recipe box and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy, cheesy, and perfectly textured scalloped potatoes. Fresh potatoes provide the hearty foundation, while the butter and flour build the luscious roux that thickens the sauce. The creamy milk and heavy cream enrich the dish, and the sharp cheddar combined with Parmesan adds a deep, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, 2 ½ pounds: These varieties offer the perfect balance of creaminess and structure needed for scalloped potatoes.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons: Thickens the sauce to coat each potato slice luxuriously.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Provides creaminess without overwhelming the dish.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: Adds decadence and a silky texture to the cheese sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded: The star cheese offering bold flavor and gooey melt.
- Parmesan cheese, ½ cup shredded: Brings a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Gives subtle savory notes that boost the flavor profile.
- Onion powder, ½ teaspoon: Compliments the garlic perfectly for a well-rounded seasoning.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon and black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Seasonings that balance and brighten the dish.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish adding a lovely brightness before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Potato Slices
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven warms, peel your potatoes and slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer here is a real game changer because it guarantees even, tender slices that cook uniformly. This is key to achieving that ideal creamy yet slightly textured bite.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, gently melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue whisking for about a minute, allowing the roux to cook while thickening. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer lightly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese to the Sauce
Now comes the flavor bomb—stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce, adding that perfect seasoning foundation. Remove the saucepan from the heat and blend in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is irresistibly smooth and creamy. This homemade cheese sauce is what gives the dish its signature irresistible richness.
Step 4: Layer Your Potatoes and Cheese Sauce
Begin layering half of the potato slices in your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. Pour half of the luscious cheese sauce over the potatoes, smoothing it out to cover every nook. Repeat this with the remaining potatoes and sauce for a perfect, layered dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar and the Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil to let the top achieve that beautiful golden brown and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an inviting cheesy aroma that’s hard to resist!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Allow the dish to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This step lets the sauce thicken just a bit more and makes the potatoes easier to serve. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and subtle freshness that balances the richness.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a bright, herbaceous touch that cuts through the richness in each bite. For an extra indulgent twist, try crispy cooked bacon bits or finely chopped chives sprinkled on top. These garnishes bring a delightful texture contrast and an additional layer of flavor that makes this dish even more special.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes make a fantastic side to roast meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. They also pair wonderfully with green vegetable sides such as sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad. The creamy potatoes balance out lighter, fresher elements on the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for elegant single servings at a dinner party. You can also layer in sautéed onions or mushrooms between the potato layers for added flavor complexity. Some folks swap in Gruyère or mozzarella to change up the cheese profile—making this recipe endlessly customizable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover the dish well to maintain the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely. Let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can remove the cover in the last few minutes to revive that golden, bubbly top. Alternatively, microwaving a portion works in a pinch but losing a bit of that crispy top is inevitable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are preferred because they hold their shape and offer a creamy texture, but you can experiment with red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just remember, waxy potatoes tend to be firmer and less creamy, so adjust cooking times if needed.
What cheeses work best in Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its robust flavor and meltability. Parmesan adds a lovely salty, nutty finish. For variations, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a mix of Monterey Jack can work beautifully depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
While the traditional recipe is dairy-rich, you can substitute plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives. Use a vegan butter substitute and choose thick coconut or oat milk for a creamy sauce. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.
Is it better to peel the potatoes or keep the skin on?
Peeling the potatoes gives you a smoother, more classic scalloped texture. However, leaving the skins on adds rustic charm and extra nutrients. Just make sure to scrub them well if you go skin-on.
How can I make extra flavorful Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
Adding sautéed onions, garlic, or cooked bacon bits layered with the potatoes amps up the flavor profile wonderfully. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the sauce also elevate the dish to something truly special.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a queen, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe would surely reign supreme. It embodies all the coziness, richness, and downright deliciousness you want from a potato side dish. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fall in love bite after cheesy, creamy bite. Your family and friends will thank you endlessly for sharing this little slice of culinary joy.
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
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered in a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
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
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the 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 the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until it slightly thickens.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth to create a creamy cheese sauce.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top becomes golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions between the potato layers.
- Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve evenly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking.
- You can swap cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
