If you’re ready for the coziest comfort food to ever grace your dinner table, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will become your new go-to side dish. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, smothered in a creamy, luscious cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s the kind of dish that prompts second helpings and happy sighs, equally perfect for a special holiday meal or just a Tuesday night comfort fix. Each forkful is savory, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, with just the right balance of sharp cheddar, tender potatoes, and a buttery, velvety sauce. Trust me, nobody can resist these cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how each ingredient plays its own delicious role. You don’t need a whole pantry — just a few kitchen staples and a generous helping of cheese come together to create something magical for your table.

Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes: Choose Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor or Russets for a classic, fluffy texture—either works beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor and is the key backbone in starting your creamy cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: A couple tablespoons create a smooth, velvety sauce by thickening your milk and cream.
Whole Milk: Helps make the sauce both creamy and light, balancing the richness of the heavy cream.
Heavy Cream: The secret weapon for that ultra-creamy, decadent texture everyone loves.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For bold flavor and that gorgeous orange color—shred it fresh for best results!
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top means an irresistible golden crust and a touch of savory depth.
Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle warmth without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Adds an extra savory punch and rounds out the dish’s flavor.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the cheese and potato goodness—don’t skimp!
Black Pepper: A little bit adds just the right amount of bite and peppery contrast.
Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional): A pop of green for garnish brings color and freshness to your finished casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this helps the potatoes release easily later and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly, then whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux. Cook that for about a minute (it gets rid of the raw flour taste), then slowly pour in your milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while. Let this luscious mixture gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, until it starts to thicken. Next, whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and then stir in 1 ½ cups of your sharp cheddar cheese until everything becomes a perfect, melty sauce.

Step 3: Layer Those Potatoes

Place half of your thinly sliced potatoes into your prepped baking dish, spreading them out evenly so every bite gets the right amount of creamy deliciousness. Pour over half of your cheese sauce and nudge it gently so it seeps all around the edges. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes and top them off with the remaining cheese sauce—don’t miss those corners!

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan across the top for maximum golden-bubbliness. This layer is what transforms the casserole into that irresistible Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe everyone raves about, with a cheesy crust you’ll want to pick off before serving (but don’t… yet!)

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it go for another 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is beautifully golden and bubbling away. That irresistible aroma means you’re moments away from pure comfort food bliss.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Very important: let your casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before diving in! This helps everything set so you can slice perfectly. For a flourish of color and freshness, scatter chopped parsley over the top right before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of freshness and color, fresh chopped parsley works wonders on this bubbling beauty. If you want to add a touch more indulgence, crumble a little cooked bacon or a few crispy fried onions over the top right before serving. It’s all about taking that Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to the next level!

Side Dishes

This rich, creamy side is a terrific partner for almost any main. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, pan-seared steak, or even a crisp salad for a lighter contrast. The generous cheese sauce helps it stand out on a holiday table, but it’s just as welcome with simple weeknight meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, spoon individual portions into ramekins or small cast iron skillets for dinner parties, or layer in roasted vegetables like thinly sliced carrots or sweet potatoes for color and flavor twists. You can also top each serving with a poached egg for an elegant brunch entrée!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to four days and reheat beautifully, making leftovers almost as crave-worthy as the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions or the whole baked casserole! Cool it completely first, then wrap tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. For best quality, enjoy within two months for a quick, comforting side anytime.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated leftovers, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For a crisp top, remove the foil during the last few minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before baking as above.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the classic flavor and color, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda work beautifully for a fun twist. Mix and match to find your family’s favorite version.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

For this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, peeling is preferred since it creates a silkier texture, but you can leave the skins on if you enjoy a more rustic look and some extra fiber—just be sure to scrub them well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the full casserole (before baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if straight from the fridge. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday prep!

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Slice potatoes about 1/8 inch thick for the best results—thin enough to become tender and creamy, but thick enough to hold together. Using a mandoline slicer ensures even cooking.

Is this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe gluten-free?

As written, it’s not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce and keep it just as creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a bubbling dish of homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with the people you love. If you’re craving a side that’s creamy, cheesy, and always crowd-pleasing, this is the one to try. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people, bake up a pan, and savor every dreamy bite!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of these scrumptious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish is perfect for any occasion and will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer and add seasonings. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar until smooth.
Layer potatoes: Arrange half the potatoes in the dish, pour half the cheese sauce, repeat layers, top with remaining cheese. Bake covered, then uncover and bake until golden and bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest before serving, garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding bacon bits or sautéed onions in between the potato layers.
Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin potato slices. Try Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American