Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of melting cheese and fresh potatoes enveloped me like a warm hug, instantly transporting me to festive family gatherings. This is the magic of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a creamy, savory side dish that elevates any meal, especially during special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Not only are they a comforting classic that complements meats beautifully, but they also come together quickly, making them a go-to for busy home chefs. The golden, crusty topping gives way to an indulgent interior that simply melts in your mouth. Curious about how to make this delightful dish shine on your dining table? Let’s dive in! Why Are Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Irresistible? Creamy Indulgence: Every bite of these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a creamy dream, perfectly balancing rich cheese and tender potatoes. Quick to Make: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you’ll have this side dish ready in no time, perfect for busy holiday cooking. Impressive Presentation: Their golden, bubbly crust is sure to impress guests, making them an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings. Versatile Pairing: Whether served alongside roast chicken or beef brisket, they elevate any meal with their comforting flavors. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Everyone loves a good scalloped potato; they’re sure to disappear quickly from your serving dish! Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients For the Potatoes Potatoes – Starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet yield the best creamy texture. For the Cheese Sauce Mozzarella – Provides a gooey, stretchy texture; consider using provolone for a different flavor twist. Cheddar – Sharp or mild, this cheese adds depth and richness to the sauce. Cream – Enhances the dish’s richness; half-and-half can lighten it if desired. Milk – Whole milk preferred for creaminess; almond milk works but may change the flavor. Butter – Creates a roux for a smooth cheese sauce; olive oil can substitute for a dairy-free option. Flour – Thickens the creamy sauce; gluten-free flour can be swapped if needed. For the Seasoning Onion Powder – Adds savoury depth; fresh onion can deepen the flavor profile if chopped finely. Garlic Powder – Gives an aromatic touch; fresh garlic adds a more robust flavor. Salt and Black Pepper – Essential to enhance all the flavors; adjust to your personal taste. For Garnish Parsley or Dill – Adds a fresh pop of color and enhances visual appeal. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are not only a side dish but a celebration of comfort food! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, take a generous baking dish and butter the sides and bottom to prevent sticking. This initial step sets the foundation for your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, ensuring they come out perfectly golden and bubbling. Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Wash and peel the potatoes thoroughly, then slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—using a mandolin for uniformity if possible. Layer the potato slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. A well-layered dish will allow the creamy sauce to envelop each slice, making the final product both scrumptious and visually appealing. Step 3: Make the Roux In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly, which should take around 2 minutes. This creates a roux that will thicken your cheese sauce, giving your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that luscious creamy texture. Step 4: Add Milk and Cream Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens noticeably. As it simmers, season the sauce with 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, along with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring it has a rich flavor. Step 5: Melt the Cheeses Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. This indulgent mixture is what makes your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes irresistible. Pour half of this heavenly sauce over the layered potatoes, spreading it evenly for consistent flavor. Step 6: Start Baking Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook and absorb the creamy flavors. After this time, you’ll see the edges starting to bubble, which is just the beginning of the magic. Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional hour, or until the top is golden brown and crisp and the potatoes are fork-tender. The delightful aroma filling your kitchen will signal that your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are nearly ready. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top before serving. This final flourish adds visual appeal and freshness to your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, making them the star of any dinner table. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Variations Embrace your culinary creativity with these enticing twists on a classic comfort dish! Swap Cheeses: Try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or mix it with blue cheese for a bold punch. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic lift that tantalizes your senses. Add Veggies: Layer in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to enhance flavor and nutritional value. Bacon Bliss: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for a savory, crunchy finish that everyone will adore. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick that elevates your dish’s flavors. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free version without losing richness. Onion Love: Use caramelized onions instead of onion powder for sweetness and extra depth in your cheesy sauce. Mustard Zing: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a surprising tangy flavor that beautifully contrasts the richness of the cheese. Feel inspired? These variations can make your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes feel like a brand new dish each time—perfect for impressing your guests! If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your meals, don’t forget to check out my Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Baked Macaroni and Cheese for more inspiration. Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are fantastic for meal prepping, helping you save time in the kitchen on busy days! You can slice the potatoes and layer them in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance, making sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning. The cheese sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce gently before pouring it over the potatoes. When you’re ready to serve, bake the assembled dish straight from the fridge for a mesmerizing, creamy side that will impress your family and friends with minimal effort! What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes These creamy, cheesy delights create a warm, inviting meal that pairs beautifully with various dishes, turning any dinner into a special occasion. Roast Chicken: A tender, herb-seasoned roast chicken balances the rich creaminess, making a comforting and hearty meal. Beef Brisket: The savory, melt-in-your-mouth brisket pairs perfectly with the cheesy potatoes, enhancing each bite with rich flavors. Baked Salmon: The light, flaky texture of baked salmon complements the creamy scalloped potatoes and adds a refreshing contrast. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant broccoli adds a pleasant crunch and color to the plate, brightening the meal without overpowering the flavors. Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce brings a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully against the rich creaminess, especially during holiday meals. Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery side brings a comforting element and offers an excellent way to enjoy every bit of cheese sauce. Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine brings warmth to the meal, enhancing the savory flavors of both the potatoes and your protein choices. Chocolate Cake: A rich, decadent chocolate cake for dessert wraps up the meal perfectly, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and joyful. Expert Tips for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes • Even Slices Matter: Consistent potato slices ensure uniform cooking. Use a mandolin for perfect thickness to avoid unevenly cooked potatoes. • Soak for Starch: Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes reduces excess starch, preventing them from becoming sticky while baking. • Cheese Options: Experiment with your favorite cheese blends! Gruyère can add a nutty flavor while sticking to the classic mozzarella and cheddar combination can yield your perfect cheesy scalloped potatoes. • Season Thoroughly: Always taste and adjust seasoning before pouring the sauce on potatoes; this boosts flavor and ensures your dish shines! • Add a Twist: For a unique touch, layer in sautéed onions or crispy bacon for extra depth and texture, enhancing the overall experience of this delicious dish. How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in the container. Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Rewarm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Serving Again: These potatoes can be enjoyed directly from the fridge after reheating but are best served fresh, retaining that creamy texture and flavors. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes should I use for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? Starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes because they yield the best creamy texture. If you opt for waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, be mindful that they may result in a firmer dish instead of the desired creamy consistency. How do I store leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure they are completely cool to maintain their freshness and taste. For the best quality, reheat them in the oven to restore that creamy texture. Can I freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? Absolutely! To freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, allow them to cool completely first. Then, wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. What can I do if my cheese sauce is too lumpy? If your cheese sauce turns out lumpy, don’t worry! Simply transfer it to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can whisk the sauce vigorously over low heat while adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy consistency. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Definitely! If you’re catering to a dairy-free or lactose-intolerant crowd, you can substitute the cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Just remember, this might slightly change the flavor profile. Additionally, using gluten-free flour in the roux can make this dish more accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. How can I enhance the flavors of my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes? For an extra flavor boost, consider layering sautéed onions or crispy bacon in with the potatoes. You could also try different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist, adding depth and an inviting aroma to the final dish. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That’ll Steal the Show at Dinner Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, savory side dish that elevates any meal, perfect for special occasions. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potatoes4 large Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) Starchy varieties yield the best creamy texture.For the Cheese Sauce1 cup Mozzarella cheese Provides a gooey, stretchy texture.1 cup Cheddar cheese Sharp or mild adds depth and richness.1 cup Cream Enhances the dish's richness.2 cups Whole milk Preferred for creaminess.4 tablespoons Butter Creates a roux for sauce.¼ cup Flour Thickens the creamy sauce.For the Seasoning1 teaspoon Onion powder Adds savoury depth.1 teaspoon Garlic powder Gives an aromatic touch.to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavor.to taste Black pepper Essential for enhancing flavor.For Garnishto taste Parsley or Dill Adds a fresh pop of color. Equipment Baking dishmandolinMedium saucepan Method DirectionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the sides and bottom of a baking dish.Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour, stirring constantly until bubbly.Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of cream, whisking continuously. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring in onion and garlic powders, salt, and black pepper.Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Pour half of this sauce over the layered potatoes.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.Remove the foil and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Bake for an additional hour until golden brown.Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley or dill before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg NotesConsistent potato slices ensure uniform cooking. Soaking potatoes helps reduce excess starch. Experiment with different cheese options and adjust seasoning based on preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
