Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

 

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are one of the most comforting and classic side dishes you can make. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy, rich cheese sauce until tender and golden on top. The result is a warm, satisfying dish with soft, buttery potatoes and a perfectly melted cheese crust.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, potlucks, or anytime you want a hearty side dish that everyone will love. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work beautifully in this dish because they become tender while absorbing the creamy sauce during baking.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy cheese sauce
• Simple ingredients
• Perfect for holidays or family dinners
• Golden and bubbly cheese topping
• Comforting classic recipe
• Easy to prepare ahead

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced	2 lbs
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Small onion, finely diced	1
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream)	2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheese	1½ cups
Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère	½ cup
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Paprika (optional)	¼ teaspoon
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)	2 tablespoons

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How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices help the potatoes cook evenly. Set the sliced potatoes aside while preparing the sauce.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Dish

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, spreading everything evenly.

5. Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella (or Gruyère) evenly over the top layer.

6. Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes the potatoes easier to slice.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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Helpful Tips

• Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or Russet potatoes for a softer texture.
• For extra richness, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.
• Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to set.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheesy scalloped potatoes pair well with many main dishes such as:

• Roast chicken
• Grilled steak
• Baked ham
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh green salad

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. With layers of tender potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden bubbly topping, this recipe delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

Whether served for a holiday dinner, weekend family meal, or special gathering, this classic dish is always a favorite at the table.