Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. This version is rich, creamy, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, making it the perfect side dish for family dinners, holidays, or just when you crave something hearty. These scalloped potatoes bake up golden and bubbly with a cheesy garlic cream sauce layered between thinly sliced potatoes—every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food — warm, creamy, and cheesy
• Customizable — add bacon, ham, or your favorite herbs
• Holiday hero — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter
• Make-ahead friendly — prep the night before and bake fresh
• Freezer-friendly — great for meal prep or leftovers

🧂 Ingredients

• 2½ pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ white or yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes: Peel if desired, then slice the potatoes evenly (⅛” to ¼” thick). A mandoline works great here.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Thicken the base: Add flour to form a roux, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking until smooth.
4. Season and cheese it: Add salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
5. Layer the dish: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour half the sauce on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with ½ of the remaining cheese.
6. Repeat: Add the second layer of potatoes, remaining sauce, and top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
8. Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Rest and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve warm.

🕒 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Estimated Cost: $10–$12

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 408 kcal
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 96mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 326mg
• Potassium: 663mg
• Vitamin A: 1075 IU
• Vitamin C: 17.8 mg
• Calcium: 372 mg
• Iron: 5.1 mg

🧑‍🍳 Tips & Variations

• Make it meaty: Add diced ham or bacon between layers.
• Go gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce.
• Try other cheeses: Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan work great.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes.
• Make it ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese

A rich and creamy scalloped potatoes recipe with layers of cheese and garlic-infused sauce. A perfect side for holidays or comfort food cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8 scallops

Calories 408 kcal

Equipment

• – 9×13” baking dish
• Saucepan
• – Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• – 2½ lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes thinly sliced
• – 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• – ½ white onion chopped
• – 3 garlic cloves minced
• – 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• – 2½ cups heavy cream
• – 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• – 1 tsp salt
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – 1 tsp fresh thyme
• – ½ tsp cayenne optional
• – 1 tbsp chives or parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13” baking dish.
• Make cheese sauce: sauté onions and garlic in butter, whisk in flour, add cream and spices, melt in cheese.
• Layer half the potatoes, half the sauce, sprinkle with cheese.
• Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake 40 min.
• Remove foil and bake 20 min more until golden and bubbly.
• Let rest 5–10 min before serving. Garnish with chives or parsley.

Notes

– Substitute milk or cornstarch for dietary needs.
– Add ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
– Freezes well in portions.

Keyword cheesy potatoes, holiday side dish, scalloped potatoes

FAQs

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. Leaving the skins adds texture and rustic charm.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Whole milk is the best substitute.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Layer ingredients as instructed and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7–8 hours.

🍽️ Conclusion

These scalloped potatoes are everything a comfort food side should be—rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them alongside roast chicken, glazed ham, or just on their own, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.