Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to Try
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. It’s packed with layers of tender potatoes soaked in a luscious cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish brings warmth and flavor to the table—making every bite feel like a cozy hug from your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: This recipe combines basic pantry staples to create an indulgent dish without complicated prep.
- Crowd-Friendly: It’s a reliable favorite that pairs beautifully with meats, salads, or holiday feasts.
- Velvety Texture: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes soak up the creamy cheese sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Adaptability: Easily customized with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and bake just before serving, saving you time on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that contribute flavor, creaminess, and a beautiful golden finish. Each component works to build the perfect balance of richness and texture.
- Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets for soft, tender layers that absorb the sauce well.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and a bold cheesy flavor, while a mix of mozzarella or Gruyère can add smoothness and meltability.
- Milk and Cream: Together they create a silky, creamy base that soaks into the potatoes beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for thickening the sauce.
- Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce into that luscious consistency without being runny.
- Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that boost flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer of flavor.
Variations for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Feel free to make this dish your own with simple tweaks and ingredient swaps that still keep it comforting but fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Bacon Addition: Crispy cooked bacon sprinkled between layers adds a smoky, savory punch.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the sauce for garden-fresh aroma and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a creamy vegan twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for subtle heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and thinly slicing your potatoes about 1/8-inch thick; uniform slices ensure even cooking and layering.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking it just until golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Lightly grease your baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom, season lightly, then pour a portion of cheese sauce over them. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese sauce on top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the top is nicely browned and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let your scalloped potatoes sit for 10 minutes before serving; this helps the sauce thicken up and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one to keep potatoes thin and uniform for even cooking.
- Don’t Rush Baking: Allow sufficient time for the potatoes to fully soften and the sauce to meld perfectly.
- Season Generously: Potatoes soak up seasoning, so be sure to salt each layer lightly to avoid blandness.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Combining sharp and mild cheeses helps balance flavor and melt quality.
- Let It Rest: Resting the dish before cutting prevents the sauce from running and makes for prettier slices.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich cheese flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance its creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve scooped portions in individual ramekins topped with additional cheese and broiled briefly for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and the sauce creamy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well; cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at low temperature until warmed through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture, removing foil toward the end to refresh the top’s golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while Russets are ideal for their starch content, Yukon Golds also work well and provide a creamier texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with whole milk and reduce the butter slightly without losing too much creaminess.
Can I prepare the dish the day before?
Definitely. Assemble your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready for fresh, hot results.
What cheese is best for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but a mix with mozzarella, Gruyère, or even Parmesan can elevate the flavor and melt quality.
How thick should I slice the potatoes?
Thin slices about 1/8-inch thick work best to ensure even cooking and a tender finish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a comforting classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, its creamy layers and cheesy goodness bring smiles all around. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special on your plate!
Related Posts
- Why Turkey Mashed Potato Pot Pie Is Perfect Comfort Food
- Easy Garlic Chicken with Veggies for Dinner
- Easy Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies Dinner Ideas
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is straightforward, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers velvety texture and rich flavor perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or special occasions. Customizable with various cheeses and add-ins, it’s a versatile and make-ahead favorite that brings warmth and indulgence to any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 to 5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional for smoothness and meltability)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness. Uniform slices are important for even cooking and layering.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the roux turns a light golden color, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Add garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Potatoes: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, then pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering potatoes and cheese sauce until all are used, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes uncovered until the top is browned and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices and consistent cooking.
- Be generous with seasoning between layers to avoid blandness since potatoes absorb salt.
- Mixing sharp cheddar with a milder cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère improves meltability and flavor balance.
- Resting the dish before serving prevents the sauce from running and helps maintain neat slices.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, creamy side dish, baked potatoes, comfort food, easy potato recipe
