Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
There’s something magical about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes—layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. This dish has quickly become a staple at our family gatherings, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner.
What I love most is how versatile it is. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, ham, or even a simple green salad if you’re keeping things light. My kids always go back for seconds (and thirds), and I never have to worry about leftovers. Plus, the rich, bubbly cheese topping makes it look as amazing as it tastes.
Trust me—this recipe is destined to become your new go-to comfort food!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for flavor, but you can mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a more complex taste.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes! You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as rich. Adding a little cream cheese or sour cream can help thicken it.
Q: How do I keep the potatoes from turning gray?
A: Keep the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to assemble the dish. Just be sure to pat them dry before layering.
Q: Are scalloped potatoes gluten-free?
A: The classic recipe uses flour to thicken the sauce, but you can substitute it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
What You Need to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, letting the mixture thicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd Layers: Keep the layers of potatoes thin to allow the sauce to coat each slice.
- Add Flavor Boosts: Try adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms between layers.
- Test for Doneness: Stick a knife into the center—if it slides through easily, the potatoes are ready.
- Make it Creamier: Substitute half of the milk with more heavy cream for an ultra-rich texture.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe was a hit at Thanksgiving! The cheese sauce was creamy, and the top had the perfect golden crust.” – Michelle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this for Sunday dinner, and my family begged for seconds. I’ll definitely be making it again!” – Greg
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved how easy this recipe was to follow. The flavors were incredible, and the potatoes came out perfectly cooked.” – Stephanie
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I added crispy bacon between the layers, and it was amazing! Definitely a new family favorite.” – Karen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This dish was so cheesy and delicious! I prepped it the night before, and it baked beautifully the next day.” – Rachel
Printable Recipe
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, rich, and topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. Perfect as a side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, letting the mixture thicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the Cheese:
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Layer the Potatoes:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes made your dinner table a little more special, I’d love for you to share this recipe with your friends and family! Whether it’s pinned to your recipe board, shared on social media, or printed out for your next gathering, spreading the love helps more people enjoy this comfort food classic.
Tag me in your posts if you try it—I can’t wait to see your cheesy, golden-brown creations!
