The Creamiest Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes promise a comforting journey through layers of pure deliciousness.

Sliced potatoes nestle between rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts into every crevice.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this classic dish.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a perfect textural harmony.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious blend of hearty potatoes and silky cheese.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate side dish that turns any meal into a celebration.

Delicious Twists on Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Vegan Potato Gratin: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a creamy, dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Scallop: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative. Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the cheese sauce for an aromatic herb enhancement. Sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.

FAQs

• Why do I need to stagger potatoes and onions?

Staggering helps ensure even cooking and distribution of flavor throughout the dish, preventing clumping and creating a more consistent texture in every bite.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with similar melting cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The total baking time of 85-90 minutes allows them to become soft and fully cooked through.

• What if my sauce doesn't thicken properly?

Ensure you’re whisking the flour and butter constantly for one minute to create a proper roux. If the sauce remains thin, you can continue cooking it a bit longer or add a small amount of additional flour to help thicken.

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are a Comfort Classic

• Foolproof Comfort Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technique and delivers delicious results every single time.
• Hearty Family Pleaser: Loaded with cheesy goodness and tender potatoes, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Versatile Side Dish Superstar: Works brilliantly alongside roasted meats, grilled proteins, or as a standalone vegetarian main course for casual gatherings and holiday meals.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can create a restaurant-quality side dish without complicated cooking skills or extensive kitchen experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetable perfect for creating a comforting dish.
• Onions: Sweet and flavorful vegetable that adds depth to the casserole.

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a silky sauce.
• Cheese: Melty and delicious topping that makes the dish extra special.
• Flour: Thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor.

• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the dish.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during baking to retain moisture.

Steps for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Grab a cooking spray and lightly coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions

Create beautiful layers in the baking dish by alternating sliced potatoes and onions.

Arrange them carefully to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.

Step 3: Create Cheese Sauce Base

Grab a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

• Flour
• Salt

Continue whisking for one minute to create a smooth base.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly.

Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes velvety smooth.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Add cheese to the sauce all at once.

Stir quickly until the cheese completely melts and creates a glossy, smooth sauce.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potato and onion layers.

Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Slow Roast

Bake in the oven for 85-90 minutes.

The potatoes should become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious cheese sauce.

Step 8: Create a Crispy Topping

Switch the oven to broil for the final touch.

Watch carefully as the top turns golden brown and develops a beautiful crispy crust.

Step 9: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy potato masterpiece straight from the oven.

Helpful Tips for Scalloped Potato Success

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Alternate potato and onion layers carefully to distribute flavors evenly and create a beautiful, visually appealing casserole.
• Remove cheese sauce from heat immediately after melting to avoid curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to keep potatoes moist, then uncover to allow top to brown and crisp up.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, cheddar, or parmesan to add depth and create unique taste profiles.

Saving and Reheating Cheesy Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm individual portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.
• Heat servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or wrap, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Best Pairings for Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce and cut through the potatoes' heaviness.
• Recommend Classic Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or grilled rosemary lamb chops to balance the dish's decadent texture and provide protein contrast.
• Create Bright Vegetable Accompaniment: Add a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with lemon zest to introduce freshness and lighten the meal's overall richness.
• Enhance with Fresh Bread Pairing: Include crusty sourdough or warm French baguette to soak up extra cheese sauce and provide delightful textural contrast to the soft potato layers.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, layered cheesy scalloped potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Rich cheese and tender potato slices melt together, promising delicious satisfaction for hungry dinner guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Create alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
3. Craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and salt for one minute until smooth.
4. Gradually pour milk into the butter mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Incorporate cheese into the sauce, stirring vigorously until completely melted and achieving a silky consistency.
6. Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for approximately 85-90 minutes, monitoring until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
9. For a golden, crispy exterior, switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
11. Serve hot, revealing the bubbling, cheesy potato layers beneath a perfectly bronzed surface.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, consistent potato slices for better layering and appearance.
• Choose waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier and more stable scalloped potato texture.
• If reducing calories, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or use low-fat cheese without compromising flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg