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Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• September 7, 2025

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Introduction

There’s a special kind of comfort that only comes from a truly spectacular side dish. You know the one—it arrives at the table bubbling and golden, promising creamy, cheesy goodness in every single bite. That’s the exact feeling I wanted to capture when I perfected this recipe, because These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! They are the ultimate cozy companion for any main course, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

So, what makes These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! so special? This dish elevates the classic scalloped potato by weaving together layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a luxuriously rich and creamy cheese sauce. The top bakes into a gorgeous, golden-brown crust that gives way to a perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth interior. It’s a significant upgrade from standard recipes, as it avoids any chance of a watery or grainy sauce. This recipe aligns perfectly with my mission to provide reliable, crowd-pleasing dishes that deliver incredible flavor without unnecessary complexity. It’s the ideal make-ahead side dish for busy holidays, much like my favorite Easy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, but it’s also decadent enough for a celebratory Sunday supper. While it feels indulgent, it’s made with simple, whole ingredients you can feel good about serving your family. For a complete comforting meal, pair it with a juicy Simple Herb Roasted Chicken.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it never fails to elicit happy sighs from everyone at my dinner table. The process of layering everything together is almost therapeutic, and the aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is pure nostalgia. It’s my go-to dish for potlucks and family gatherings, and I always get asked for the recipe. For me, These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they represent the heart of home cooking: simple, satisfying, and made with love.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they deliver a powerful nutritional punch alongside incredible comfort. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and proper nerve function. They also provide a steady release of energy due to their complex carbohydrates, so you feel satisfied longer. Furthermore, the dairy-based cheese and milk contribute significant calcium and protein, which are essential for strong bones and muscle repair.

Even though it is a rich dish, you get benefits from key micronutrients. For instance, the milk and cheese offer a good dose of vitamin B12 and vitamin D, while the potatoes supply vitamin C. Although it is indulgent, this meal supports your body’s foundational needs. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they combine essential vitamins and minerals in one delicious package. Therefore, you can enjoy fantastic flavor while also nourishing your body from the inside out.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! as part of a balanced diet when enjoyed mindfully. Pair a sensible portion with a lean protein like grilled chicken or a large green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal. This approach ensures you get a fantastic mix of macronutrients and fiber. For those with specific dietary needs, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten.

You can easily adapt the recipe to align with your health goals. Consider using a lower-fat cheese or incorporating Greek yogurt for a protein boost. Enjoying this as an occasional side dish rather than a main course is a perfect example of practical, everyday eating. For more ideas on creating a balanced plate, explore our guide on meal prep strategies. If you’re looking for other gluten-free comfort food options, our gluten-free dinner ideas are a great resource. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! for a special occasion or a comforting weekend meal.

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Scalloped Potatoes

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• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

These Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. They are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with a creamy sauce and cheese. They are then baked until golden brown and bubbly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Layer half of the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
6. Repeat with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For the best results, slice the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 580
• Fat: 21
• Saturated Fat: 13
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 16
• Cholesterol: 60

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, grab your mandoline slicer to uniformly slice all your potatoes; consequently, you will ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation for These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection!. Meanwhile, whisk together your cream, milk, minced garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl to create that luxurious, flavorful sauce. Next, carefully layer half of your potato slices in a greased baking dish, and then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over them. After that, pour half of your creamy mixture evenly over the first layer. Repeat the entire process with your remaining potatoes, cheese, and sauce. Finally, cover your dish tightly with foil and bake until the potatoes become tender. For a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil for the last portion of baking. Remember, let the dish rest for about ten minutes before serving; as a result, the sauce will perfectly thicken. Additionally, if you are short on time, you can quickly assemble this casserole the night before and simply refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Furthermore, using pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store can save you several precious minutes of prep work without sacrificing any flavor.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have definitely learned a few lessons the hard way with this dish. Initially, I used to slice my potatoes far too thick, which resulted in a frustratingly long bake time and some unevenly cooked, crunchy pieces. Now, I always use my trusty mandoline slicer for perfectly thin, consistent slices every single time. Another classic mistake I made was using pre-shredded bagged cheese that contained anti-caking agents. Unfortunately, this prevented my sauce from getting as luxuriously smooth and creamy as I wanted. I quickly learned that freshly grating a block of cheese, while slightly more work, makes a world of difference in the final texture and is one of my top cheese sauce secrets for success. Trust me, taking these two small extra steps is absolutely worth it for the perfect result.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

This dish whispers of cozy farmhouse kitchens and generations gathered around the table. Although its precise origin is a delicious mystery, most food historians trace scalloped potatoes back to 18th-century England. The term “scalloped” originally referred to the method of baking in a creamy sauce within a scallop-shelled dish.

As the recipe crossed the Atlantic with European immigrants, it found a beloved home in North American cuisine, particularly in Canada and the American Midwest where dairy and potatoes were plentiful. In France, a similar dish known as Gratin Dauphinois exists, although it traditionally forbids cheese, letting the cream and potatoes shine.

This is why we believe These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they represent a beautiful, indulgent fusion of those old-world techniques with a new-world love for melted, gooey cheese. Every family seems to have their own cherished version, whether it’s a secret blend of cheeses passed down from a grandmother or the simple, unwavering tradition of serving it alongside the Easter ham. That personal touch is what makes These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! so special.

This classic casserole has secured its place as a non-negotiable star on modern holiday tables, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its role extends far beyond special occasions, because a pan of These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! is the ultimate answer to a chilly Sunday supper or a comforting potluck contribution.

Today’s cooks are brilliantly reimagining this hearty dish to fit various dietary needs and flavor adventures. You can easily find versions using sweet potatoes, plant-based creams, and dairy-free cheeses for those with restrictions. Many are also boosting the flavor profile with add-ins like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or even a layer of spinach.

While this dish is a masterpiece on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted protein. For a complete and effortless weeknight meal, try serving it alongside our Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops. And if you’re looking for the ideal green vegetable to balance the richness, our Garlic Sautéed Green Beans provide a fresh, crispy contrast that is simply unbeatable.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! because they deliver a symphony of comforting textures and rich flavors. Each forkful combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with an incredibly creamy and velvety sauce. The top layer bakes into a beautifully crisp and golden-brown crust, which provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft interior. Fragrant garlic and sweet, caramelized onions melt into the sauce, while a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese adds a deep, tangy richness. The overall experience is profoundly savory and cheesy, with a comforting warmth that makes it an irresistible side dish. You will love the way the creamy sauce clings to each tender potato slice. These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! for any holiday table or cozy weeknight dinner, as they are both elegant and deeply satisfying.

Boosting the flavor

You can easily elevate these potatoes with a few simple tweaks. For a smoky depth, try swapping half the cheddar for gruyère cheese, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs on top before baking adds fantastic texture. Consider serving them with a dollop of cool sour cream or a drizzle of our herb-infused sauce to cut through the richness. If you want a more robust meal, pair this dish with a perfectly cooked protein like our garlic butter steak bites. Finally, a fresh green salad on the side provides a bright, acidic contrast that makes every bite of the potatoes even more delicious.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

For the best texture, always slice your potatoes uniformly so they cook at the same rate, and although it might be tempting to skip this step, always rinse the slices thoroughly to remove excess starch which prevents gumminess. Use freshly grated cheese from a block because pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy, so taking a few extra minutes to grate your own ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce. Finally, cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to gently steam the potatoes, then remove it for the final bake to achieve that beautifully golden, bubbly top, guaranteeing These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfection! every single time.

Mistakes to avoid

A common error is using potatoes with a high water content, like russets, which can lead to a soupy casserole, so instead, opt for a starchy or all-purpose variety like Yukon Golds for the ideal creamy consistency. Another frequent mistake is pouring cold cream sauce over the potatoes, which drastically increases the required baking time and can result in unevenly cooked potatoes, so always warm your sauce on the stovetop first to help everything come together seamlessly in the oven. To ensure your potatoes are fully tender without overcooking the top, always test for doneness by piercing the center with a sharp knife, a technique we also recommend for our Classic Potato Gratin. Furthermore, while it is crucial to season each layer, be cautious with salt if you are using very salty cheese or broth; for more guidance on building balanced flavors, explore our tips in the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes guide.