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Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• September 7, 2025

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Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that feels like a warm hug. When you need a side that steals the show and brings everyone to the table with anticipation, you need a recipe that delivers pure, unadulterated joy. That’s precisely why I can confidently say that These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! They transform a simple meal into a memorable feast, because they are the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

So, what makes These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! so special? This isn’t your average potato side dish. While traditional recipes can be bland or watery, this version guarantees a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce that clings to every single slice of tender potato. The significance lies in its foolproof method, which creates layers of flavor that bake up beautifully without any separation. It aligns perfectly with our blog’s mission to provide reliable, crowd-pleasing recipes that work every single time. This dish is the star of any holiday spread, like our classic Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin, and it’s hearty enough to stand alongside a simple weeknight Garlic Butter Steak Bites. You get a magnificent, restaurant-quality result without any complicated steps, which is why it has become a non-negotiable part of our family’s tradition.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it never fails to elicit the happiest sighs from my family around the dinner table. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! in my book, as they represent more than just food; they are a dish woven into our holiday memories and Sunday suppers. I cherish how the aroma of garlic and cheese fills the entire house while they bake, building an excitement that is only surpassed by that first incredible bite. It’s my go-to for making any meal feel special and loved.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they deliver essential nutrients in a delicious package. Potatoes provide a fantastic source of potassium for healthy blood pressure while also offering complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The cheese adds a significant boost of calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles. Even though this is a comfort food, you still get immune-supporting vitamin C from the potatoes.

You can feel great about serving These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! to your family because they use wholesome ingredients. By using real cheese and whole milk, you avoid processed powders and unhealthy trans fats. Although they taste incredibly indulgent, this dish supports your nutritional goals. Leaving the potato skins on increases the fiber content, so you enhance the health benefits even further. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they prove that comfort food can be both nourishing and satisfying.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! for maintaining a balanced diet when enjoyed in proper portions. Pair a sensible serving with a lean protein like grilled chicken and a large green salad for a complete, nutritious meal. This approach allows you to enjoy creamy comfort food while still getting a wide range of essential nutrients.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. For a higher-protein version, consider adding lean ham or using extra sharp cheddar cheese. While not low-carb, it provides excellent energy for active lifestyles. Discover more ways to create satisfying gluten-free comfort food for your family. For the perfect protein pairing, try our simple herb grilled lemon chicken recipe. This combination creates a practical and delicious weeknight dinner that supports your healthy eating habits.

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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• Author: Amanda Rettke
• Total Time: 105 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

If you don’t want ooey gooey cheese covering every single nook and cranny of your scalloped potatoes then look away. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 russet potatoes, (peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds))
• 1 yellow onion, (sliced into rings)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups whole milk, (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, (shredded)
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering potato and then onion.
3. In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened.
4. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil after the potatoes are baked. Broil until golden brown.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Notes

Potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork. For extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 90 mins
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 346
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 320
• Fat: 19
• Saturated Fat: 11
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 32
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 12
• Cholesterol: 45

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease your baking dish. Next, grab your mandoline slicer to create uniformly thin potato slices; this crucial step ensures even cooking and a perfect texture for These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection!. Meanwhile, whisk together your cream, milk, minced garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl to create a rich, flavorful base. Then, begin layering your potatoes in the dish, sprinkling a handful of your cheese blend over each new layer. After you finish stacking, slowly pour the creamy mixture over the top, allowing it to seep down through all the layers. Finally, cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Subsequently, remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is gloriously golden brown and bubbly. For a time-saving tip, slice your potatoes ahead of time and keep them submerged in water to prevent browning. Moreover, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to thicken beautifully for perfect slices.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have absolutely learned the hard way that slicing potatoes too thick is the fastest route to crunchy, undercooked potatoes. Furthermore, I once rushed the sauce and ended up with a bland, watery dish because I did not let the flour cook out properly with the butter. Now, I always take that extra minute to create a smooth, golden roux, which makes all the difference for a luxuriously thick cheese sauce. Another game-changer for me was learning the importance of resting the dish after baking; cutting in immediately causes a soupy mess. For the creamiest, most cohesive results, patience is your best ingredient. If you love cheesy sides, you must also try my ultimate creamy mac and cheese, which uses a similar technique for perfection.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

This dish finds its heart in the humble farmhouses of Europe, particularly in France where the term “scalloped” originates from the Old French word “escalope,” meaning a shell. While the French perfected the technique of baking thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, it was the addition of generous amounts of cheese that truly made it a North American staple. Families would prepare these potatoes for large Sunday gatherings because they could feed a crowd with inexpensive ingredients.

In many households, the recipe was a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations with a secret pinch of this or a dash of that. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! when they come out bubbling and golden, just like grandma used to make. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, even though its core remains comforting and constant.

You will find similar preparations worldwide, from the potato gratin of France to the cheesy potato bakes of the American Midwest, each community adding its own local cheeses and herbs to make it their own.

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they have seamlessly transitioned from a historical comfort food to a modern-day superstar. They remain the undisputed champion of holiday tables, especially when paired with a perfectly cooked holiday prime rib, creating a meal that feels both celebratory and deeply nourishing.

While they shine during festive times, their role in everyday cooking has also evolved. Busy home cooks are now reimagining this classic by using mandolins for quick, even slicing or by prepping components ahead of time for easy assembly. Modern variations are endless, so you might find versions with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a sprinkle of crispy bacon.

For a lighter take that does not skimp on flavor, some are even incorporating cauliflower into the mix. This dish also provides a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover holiday ham, dicing it and layering it right in with the potatoes for a complete one-pan meal. It is this incredible adaptability that secures its place in today’s kitchens, proving that some traditions only get better with time.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they deliver a masterclass in contrasting textures. Each forkful begins with a crisp, golden-brown crust that gives way to impossibly tender, thinly sliced potatoes underneath. The star of the show is the luxuriously creamy and rich sauce that coats every single slice, so it never feels dry or bland. Fragrant garlic and sweet, caramelized onions melt into the sauce, while the generous layers of sharp cheddar cheese create irresistible, stretchy pulls with every serving. The overall flavor is deeply savory and comforting, with a subtle sharpness from the cheese that cuts through the richness perfectly. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! especially when they come straight from the oven, filling your kitchen with an aroma that is both buttery and cheesy. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, offering a satisfying combination of soft, tender potatoes and a slightly crisp top that keeps you coming back for more.

Boosting the flavor

You can easily elevate this classic side dish with a few simple tweaks. For a smoky depth, try adding crumbled cooked bacon or swap the cheddar for a bold Gruyère cheese between the potato layers. Although the original recipe is fantastic, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper on top before baking introduces a warm, subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce. Even though the dish is rich, a fresh, bright topping like chopped chives or parsley added after baking provides a wonderful color and flavor contrast. Consider serving it alongside a simple herb roasted pork tenderloin for a complete meal, because the juicy, savory meat pairs beautifully with the cheesy potatoes. Finally, a dollop of cool creamy garlic aioli on the side offers a tangy, garlicky sauce that makes each bite even more exciting.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

For the ultimate creamy texture, always slice your potatoes uniformly thin because this ensures they cook at the same rate. Use a mandoline slicer for the best results, although a sharp knife and a steady hand will also work. Furthermore, always warm your milk or cream mixture before adding it to the baking dish so it does not shock the potatoes and slow down the cooking process. Even though it is tempting, do not skip the step of layering the cheese directly with the potatoes, as this creates pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish. Finally, let your masterpiece rest for a full 15 minutes after baking so the sauce can properly thicken, guaranteeing that These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! on your dinner table.

Mistakes to avoid

A common error is using potatoes that are too waxy, which can lead to a gluey texture instead of the desired creamy tenderness; for the best outcome, always opt for high-starch varieties like Russets. Another frequent mistake is not seasoning the sauce and each layer of potatoes adequately, because the potatoes themselves absorb a lot of flavor during cooking. Although you might be in a hurry, avoid baking the dish at a higher temperature to speed things up, as this will likely cause the sauce to break or the top to burn before the center is tender. For more guidance on selecting the right ingredients for your dishes, our guide on choosing the best potatoes is an excellent resource. Additionally, if you are concerned about your sauce breaking, our detailed tutorial on how to prevent a broken sauce offers fantastic preventative tips to ensure your results are flawless every single time.