Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish that makes every meal feel like an occasion. With thinly sliced potatoes drenched in a velvety cheese sauce, this classic bake transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper worthy of holiday tables, Sunday suppers, or any time you crave something rich and delicious. Whether you make them for a special gathering or just want to elevate a weeknight dinner, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes promise to be a crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that a handful of humble ingredients can make magic in the oven. Each component brings its own character—think buttery richness, creamy texture, gooey cheese, and a cozy blend of seasonings—all coming together in one mouthwatering dish.

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes: These varieties slice beautifully and stay tender yet structured, providing the perfect canvas for that luscious cheese sauce.
Unsalted butter: The foundation for your roux, lending moisture and a slightly nutty flavor as it cooks with the flour.
All-purpose flour: Whisked with butter, it thickens the sauce so it clings to every potato slice.
Whole milk: Delivers smoothness and just the right amount of richness to the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds an extra-decadent, silky finish that takes Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes over the top.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and sauce so every bite is perfectly savory.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and balances the richness of the dish.
Garlic powder: Brings mellow garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and savoriness, rounding out the flavor profile.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The hero cheese! Its bold, tangy flavor is the star of the creamy sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts seamlessly for that stretchy, oozy texture we all love.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it gives an incredible golden crust and a punch of umami.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green on top brightens the entire dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing prevents any precious bits from sticking and ensures easy serving later. While the oven preheats, thinly slice your potatoes—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices help everything bake evenly and absorb that flavorful sauce, so take your time (a mandoline slicer makes quick work of this).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux, letting it cook for a minute to remove any raw flavor. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. After about 3 to 5 minutes, the mixture will thicken into a gorgeous, silky base. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until everything is completely melted and glossy.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce

Spread half of your sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the luscious cheese sauce over the top, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to get it right into every nook and cranny. Add the rest of the potato slices in an even layer, and then cover those with the remaining sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface—this is what gives you that crave-worthy golden top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. This final stretch is when the magic happens: the sauce bubbles, the top turns golden, and the edges crisp up beautifully. When a knife slides easily through the potatoes, you know they’re ready.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes rest for about 10 minutes. This short wait is surprisingly important—it gives the sauce time to set and makes serving neat slices so much easier. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving adds a lively pop of green that looks stunning against the golden top. For a little flair, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few twists of cracked black pepper give extra visual and flavor appeal to your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are a dreamy companion to holiday mains like roast beef, ham, or turkey. For weeknights, pair Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a simple green salad. The creamy richness plays wonderfully with anything crisp or fresh, and they’re fantastic alongside roasted vegetables, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, make mini Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in individual ramekins for dinner parties. Try serving scoops in hollowed baked potatoes for a whimsical twist, or layer slices in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey look. They stand out in both classic and creative presentations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and are just as delightful the next day (if not more, as the flavors meld even further).

Freezing

To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for about 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20–30 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring if needed, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar gives classic flavor, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or other melty cheeses. Just swap the same amount for cheddar or mozzarella and enjoy a new twist on Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Can this dish be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the potatoes and sauce as directed, assemble everything, and cover tightly. You can refrigerate overnight, then simply bake as directed the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the more evenly everything cooks, creating that signature soft-and-creamy texture Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are known for.

What type Side Dish

Both Yukon Gold and russet potatoes work beautifully. Yukon Golds are slightly buttery and hold their shape well, while russets are starchier and very tender. Choose based on your personal preference—either way, you’ll get delicious results.

How can I add extra flavor to this recipe?

Try layering in extras like caramelized onions, crumbled cooked bacon, or a pinch of nutmeg for a gourmet spin. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are endlessly adaptable—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes—it’s a side that has everyone reaching back for seconds. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless comfort food; you’ll find it turning up on your table again and again. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these delicious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

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

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.