Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are one of those timeless comfort-food dishes that never go out of style. With layers of tender potatoes, rich cream, and perfectly melted cheese, this recipe delivers a warm and satisfying side that complements everything from roasted meats to weeknight chicken dinners. It’s a crowd-pleasing classic that always feels comforting and familiar, yet indulgent enough for special occasions.
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create an ultra-creamy texture and deep, savory flavor. By combining cheddar with optional Gruyère or mozzarella, you get a cheese sauce that’s smooth, velvety, and irresistibly rich. Each layer of potatoes absorbs the sauce as it bakes, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior with a bubbly, golden top that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy edges.
Scalloped potatoes are especially popular during the holidays because they pair so well with ham, turkey, prime rib, and other festive entrees. But don’t limit them to Thanksgiving or Christmas—this dish is simple enough to make for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a large event or just craving something comforting, this versatile side dish fits the occasion.
What makes this recipe stand out is its flexibility. You can customize the cheeses, add herbs, fold in ham or bacon, or give it a gourmet twist with garlic and Parmesan. It reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option, and it always impresses visually with its layered, golden-brown presentation. If you’re looking for a fail-proof, creamy, and absolutely delicious scalloped potato recipe, this one will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These rich, creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are layered with tender potatoes, a velvety cheese sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. The perfect comfort-food side dish for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or potlucks—these scalloped potatoes melt in your mouth and pair well with any entree.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Potato Layers
- 2 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (1/8-inch)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the potatoes: Slice into thin, even rounds. A mandoline helps keep slices uniform.
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Make the cheese sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
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Add cheddar, Gruyère, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and thickened.
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Layer the dish:
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Add half the potatoes to the baking dish.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Optional: add a thin layer of onions.
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Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
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Repeat with remaining potatoes and remaining sauce.
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Bake uncovered for 70–80 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken.
Notes
Chef Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
1. Use Starchy Potatoes for the Best Texture
Yukon Gold or Russets help the sauce thicken naturally and become extra creamy.
2. Slice Potatoes Thin & Even
Uniform slices ensure even cooking and prevent some layers from becoming underdone.
3. Don’t Let the Sauce Boil After Adding Cheese
Boiling can make cheese grainy. Keep the sauce on medium heat and stir until just melted.
4. Cover with Foil if Browning Too Quickly
If the top darkens before the potatoes are tender, tent loosely with foil for the last 20–30 minutes.
5. Rest Before Serving
Resting helps the cheesy sauce set up, making slicing and serving easier.
Flavor Variations
1. Loaded Baked Potato Style
Add:
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½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
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½ cup sliced green onions
Top with: -
Sour cream before serving
2. Garlic-Parmesan Version
Swap or add:
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1 cup Parmesan cheese
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2–3 minced garlic cloves added to the sauce
3. Three-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
Use a blend of:
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Cheddar
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Gruyère
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Fontina or mozzarella
Creates ultra-creamy, gourmet-style flavor.
4. Ham & Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Add:
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1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
Perfect as a main dish.
5. Smoked Cheddar Variation
Replace half the cheese with smoked cheddar for a rustic, smoky finish.
6. Herb Scalloped Potatoes
Add:
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1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Brightens the dish and adds depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
