Flavor-Packed Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy edges and creamy comfort define this incredible scalloped potatoes recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld together with rich, velvety cheese and subtle herbs.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have cherished these classic potato casseroles for their simple yet remarkable qualities.

Cheese lovers and potato enthusiasts will find this dish irresistibly satisfying and wonderfully indulgent.

Warm, golden, and bubbling straight from the oven, these scalloped potatoes will become your new favorite side dish.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering comfort food masterpiece.

Helpful Notes on Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Master Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin potato slices ensuring even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before assembling the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and more even distribution across the scalloped potatoes.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular salt with herb-infused salt or reduce salt content for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version of this classic comfort dish.

Store and Warm Best Scalloped Potatoes Easily

• Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the sauce appears separated.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of milk if sauce looks dry.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a tablespoon of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent potatoes from becoming rubbery.

What Matches Well with Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Complement the creamy potato dish with a succulent roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, creating a classic comfort food combination that balances the richness of the potatoes.
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which cuts through the dish's creaminess and enhances the cheesy, savory flavors with its bright acidity and fruity undertones.
• Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, rich scalloped potatoes, balancing the meal's overall texture and flavor profile.
• Add roasted asparagus or green beans with a touch of garlic and lemon to introduce a vibrant, nutritious element that brightens the plate and adds a fresh dimension to the hearty potato dish.

Try These Twists on Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Replace standard seasoning with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic herbal flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Vegan Creamy Version: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free, plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of traditional scalloped potatoes.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to introduce a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with increased heat and complexity.

Everything You Want to Know About Scalloped Potatoes

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well and provide a creamy, smooth texture when baked in the sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming watery?

Slice the potatoes evenly and uniformly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the potato slices dry with a paper towel before layering to remove excess moisture. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin slices.

• Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Parmesan cheese?

While not absolutely required, the combination of cheeses adds depth of flavor. Cheddar provides a sharp, rich taste, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty element that enhances the overall dish.

Best Scalloped Potatoes – Here’s Why People Rave

• A Creamy Potato Masterpiece
• Whip up this luxurious dish with just basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. No complex techniques required, just simple chopping and mixing.
• Delivers rich, cheesy goodness that appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents. Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Prep the entire dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without last-minute stress, this recipe offers flexibility and deliciousness.
• Works brilliantly as a hearty side dish for holiday meals, Sunday roasts, or casual weekend dinners. Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and provides a satisfying, indulgent complement to any main course.

What You’ll Need for Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy, sliced vegetables that form the core of the dish, choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes for best results, uniform slicing helps even cooking.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create smooth sauce, whole milk provides richer texture.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and depth to the sauce, heavy cream works best.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheeses that provide flavor and melting qualities, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
• Butter: Creates rich flavor base and helps thicken sauce, unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce, fresh garlic provides more intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.
• Nutmeg: Optional warm spice that complements cream-based dishes, freshly grated nutmeg has more intense flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth sauce, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

Simple Guide to Best Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Dish Prep

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.

• Milk
• Cream

• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg

Cook and stir until sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and blend in cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Layer Potato Goodness

Spread first layer of potato slices in baking dish.

Pour half the cream sauce over potatoes.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Top with extra cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes.

Look for golden, bubbly top and tender potatoes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow potatoes to rest 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, layering tender potato slices with rich, velvety sauce. Melted cheese and golden crisp edges make this classic side dish irresistible for family gatherings and hearty meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a thin layer of lubricant to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a luxurious cream foundation by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan, introducing minced garlic to release its aromatic essence, and whisking in flour to create a smooth, golden roux.
3. Transform the roux into a silky sauce by gradually incorporating milk and cream, ensuring a velvety texture without any unwelcome lumps, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg.
4. Allow the sauce to thicken gracefully, then fold in a portion of sharp cheddar until it melts into a harmonious blend of richness and flavor.
5. Layer the baking dish strategically, creating alternating strata of thinly sliced potatoes, beginning with a generous spread of the cream sauce and a sprinkle of aged Parmesan.
6. Repeat the layering process, ensuring each potato slice is embraced by the creamy mixture and crowned with another dusting of cheese.
7. Seal the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate contents during initial baking, and place in the preheated oven.
8. After 45 minutes, unveil the potatoes, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece with an additional 20-25 minutes of uncovered baking.
9. Remove from the oven and grant the dish a brief moment of rest, allowing the layers to settle and intensify in flavor.
10. Embellish with a scattering of fresh parsley if desired, and serve while the potatoes are still radiating warmth and comfort.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent, thin layers that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy texture and ensuring a creamy, smooth sauce.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
• Experiment with cheese variations by substituting Gruyère or fontina for a more complex, nutty flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg