Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort-food side dish, bringing together thinly sliced potatoes and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This classic recipe is a staple for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, and special occasions where you want something cozy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing.
What makes this scalloped potatoes recipe stand out is its perfectly balanced cheese sauce—creamy without being heavy, flavorful without overpowering the potatoes. Using simple pantry ingredients like cheddar cheese, milk, and butter, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners.
These oven-baked cheesy scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, baked chicken, or holiday mains like ham and turkey. The tender potatoes absorb the savory sauce as they bake, creating soft layers inside with a lightly golden, bubbly top that’s irresistible straight from the oven.Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or looking for an easy make-ahead side dish, this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe fits the bill. It’s comforting, reliable, and always a hit—perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with a timeless, homemade favorite.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, these scalloped potatoes are layered with tender slices of potato and a rich cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. A classic side dish that steals the show at holidays—or any cozy dinner.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère (or more cheddar)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for warmth)
Fresh thyme or parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened, 3–5 minutes.
Add cheese & seasoning: Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until melted and smooth.
Layer: Arrange half the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour over half the cheese sauce. Repeat layers.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 more minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
Rest: Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Slice evenly: Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices so they cook evenly.
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Sauce too thick? Whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen it before layering.
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Extra golden top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely.
Variations
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Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Add cooked bacon bits and sliced green onions between layers.
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Garlic Parmesan: Swap Gruyère for Parmesan and add 2 cloves minced garlic to the sauce.
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Herb Lovers: Layer in fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
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Lighter Version: Use 2% milk and reduce cheese by ¼ cup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
