If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to grace your dinner table, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish features tender layers of perfectly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy sauce and smothered with a blend of melty cheeses. Every bite bursts with cozy flavors and the kind of homestyle goodness that has everyone reaching for seconds. Whether served at a special holiday meal or as the star of a weeknight dinner, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes always steals the show with its unmistakable cheesy appeal and golden, bubbly finish!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is how a handful of kitchen staples come together to create something truly spectacular. Each ingredient plays a key role, from lending silkiness to the sauce to adding cheesy depth and savory warmth.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and forms the base of the creamy sauce while allowing you to control the salt in the final dish.
Onion: Brings mild sweetness and aromatic flavor to the sauce, enhancing the potatoes without overpowering them.
Garlic: Gives the sauce depth and a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy ingredients.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it coats every slice of potato beautifully.
Whole milk: Keeps the sauce light enough to soak into the potatoes for an ultra-smooth texture.
Heavy cream: Amps up the decadent, creamy factor for that signature luxurious mouthfeel.
Salt: Enhances every component and makes sure the cheesy flavors shine through.
Black pepper: Offers just enough warmth and bite to balance out all the richness.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herby note that brings freshness to every forkful.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings out the creaminess and rounds out the savory elements.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture holds up beautifully, delivering tender potato layers that jive perfectly with the sauce—uniform slices are the secret to even baking!
Sharp cheddar cheese: Packs a punch of classic cheesy flavor and gives that irresistible golden top.
Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts into the sauce for earthiness and a mellow, nutty bite.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a burst of savory umami and extra crispy, cheesy edges.
Fresh parsley: A colorful garnish that adds brightness and a fresh finish to every plate.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom so you can scoop every last creamy layer later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about three minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This fragrant base infuses the sauce and potatoes with delicious flavor from the very first layer.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure the mixture stays nice and smooth. Keep whisking until it thickens (about five minutes), then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and a hint of nutmeg. Remove from the heat and stir in half the cheddar and Gruyère until perfectly melted and velvety.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the top and spread it out. Then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, so every single slice is sandwiched between layers of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Finish with a flourish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar, Gruyère, and all of the Parmesan cheese over the layered potatoes. This cheesy blanket bakes up golden, crispy, and irresistible on top, making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes extra special.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and has a gorgeous golden hue. Let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve neat squares.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but the fresh herbal notes balance out the creaminess beautifully. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a dusting of paprika for visual flair and subtle smoky undertones.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, ham, or beef, making them a must for festive occasions or Sunday suppers. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp, simple salad that cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try baking and serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—they look adorable and make for a great dinner party touch! Or, layer the potatoes in a round or oval casserole for a twist on tradition. You can even serve bite-sized wedges as a hearty appetizer at potlucks or holiday gatherings—the cheesy layers are irresistible however you slice them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes store wonderfully! Let them cool completely, then cover the dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to four days so you can sneak a creamy, cheesy bite any time you like.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Once baked and cooled, wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer individual servings to airtight containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through—this keeps the potatoes tender and the cheese nicely melted without drying out. For a quick fix, individual portions can be microwaved, just cover them to lock in moisture and heat in 1-minute bursts.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it goes into the oven cold from the fridge.

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

While both dishes feature tender potatoes in a creamy sauce, traditional scalloped potatoes are often made with a simple cream sauce, while au gratin potatoes feature cheese both in the sauce and as a topping. Our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes combine the best of both worlds for maximum flavor and texture!

Can I substitute the cheese in Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes, feel free to get creative! While sharp cheddar and Gruyère provide the classic flavor, you can use Swiss, Colby, mozzarella, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to use good melting cheeses for that luscious texture.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes ensures the casserole layers beautifully and the texture stays silky smooth. However, if you prefer a more rustic look and added fiber, you can leave the skins on—just scrub them well first!

Why rest Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes before serving?

Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the layers to set. This way, each serving holds together nicely, and the flavors meld to perfection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow friends and family, treat yourself to a scoop of these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Creamy, savory, and loaded with golden, gooey cheese, they’re the side dish everyone will talk about long after dinner. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they become your new favorite comfort food, too!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 8 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 Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a classic side dish perfect for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Additional:

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic, whisk in flour, milk, and cream. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Bake: Top with remaining cheeses, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.