The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy, indulgent cheesy scalloped potatoes bring comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestle between rich, melted cheese and delicate cream.

Generations have savored this classic side dish that feels like a warm hug.

Perfectly seasoned and baked until golden brown, each forkful promises pure satisfaction.

Crispy edges and soft, velvety centers make this recipe irresistible for any gathering.

Cheese lovers rejoice – this dish turns simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Bet you can’t wait to slice into this decadent potato masterpiece!

How To Store Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes The Right Way

• Store cooled scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of cream to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Common Questions

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Gruyère, Swiss, or Parmesan work wonderfully. Mix cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes evenly and consistently, about ⅛ to ¼-inch thick. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents uneven texture.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

No, it’s optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients, texture, and rustic appearance to the dish.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are So Loved

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers ultimate satisfaction with rich, cheesy goodness that makes everyone at the table smile.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows adding ham, bacon, or switching cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences and kitchen ingredients.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Simple layering technique requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Option: Works beautifully as a standalone dish or complements main courses for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, adding warmth to any meal.

What You Need For Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that serves as the primary base for this creamy and cheesy dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that provides a rich, tangy taste and creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that creates a smooth and velvety sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory flavor to the dish.
• Thyme: Fragrant herb that brings a subtle earthy and slightly minty taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent cheese sauce.
• Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide a bright and fresh finishing touch.

How To Cook Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Easily

Step 1: Slice Those Spuds

Wash your potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. You can keep the skin on for extra nutrition or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Aim for slices about the thickness of a coin.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Boosters

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance around until they turn soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, stirring for about a minute to release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Create the Silky Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a gloriously smooth sauce.

Step 4: Build Your Potato Layers

• First layer of potato slices
• Half the cheese sauce
• Sprinkle of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time, creating a potato paradise.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, unveil your creation, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and bake for another 20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle with fresh chives, parsley, or additional thyme. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips To Help With Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Perfect Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to achieve uniform, thin potato slices for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Prevent Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before layering in the dish.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Shred cheese directly from a block for smoother melting and better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap some cheddar with gruyère for a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Crispy Top Trick: For an extra golden and crunchy top layer, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Tasty Ways To Tweak Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Gouda Garden Potato Gratin: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda cheese, adding a rich, deep flavor profile with extra complexity.
• Rustic Herb Potato Bake: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary and add crumbled bacon for a hearty country-style version that brings robust earthiness.
• Vegan Creamy Potato Casserole: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast for cheese flavor, and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free alternative with similar creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Scallop: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower for a keto-friendly option that maintains the classic cheesy sauce and comforting essence.

Best Dishes To Serve With Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, creamy cheese and potato flavors, cutting through the dish's heaviness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula or mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the scalloped potatoes' richness and provide a refreshing contrast in texture and taste.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Protein: Accompany the dish with herb-crusted roasted chicken or rosemary-infused pork tenderloin to create a complete meal that enhances the potato's creamy, cheesy profile.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes dance with layers of rich flavor, bringing comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Potato lovers will savor each golden, bubbling bite of this classic side dish that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds (40 oz) russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 3 cups (12 oz) cheddar cheese
• 2.5 cups (20 oz) heavy cream

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz) butter
• 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.5 onion

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chives
• Salt and pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare potatoes by slicing uniformly into thin rounds, peeling is optional.
2. Create a creamy base by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Introduce garlic and thyme, allowing aromatics to release their flavors for 1 minute.
5. Dust flour over the mixture, stirring to create a smooth roux.
6. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, thyme, and optional cayenne for subtle heat.
8. Melt cheddar cheese into the sauce until silky and uniform in texture.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
10. Construct first potato layer, covering the entire dish bottom.
11. Drizzle half the cheese sauce evenly across potato layer.
12. Distribute first portion of shredded cheese over sauce.
13. Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
14. Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley for garnish.
15. Shield dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
16. Uncover, add final cheese layer, and bake additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
17. Allow slight cooling before serving to help layers set and stabilize.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and consistent potato slices, making preparation faster and more precise.
• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most luxurious scalloped potato experience.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar to add depth and complexity to the classic recipe.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content.
• Create a gluten-free variation by using cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of traditional wheat flour.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic between potato layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg