The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

These creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes promise a comforting side dish that crafts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingle with rich, velvety cheese sauce, creating a luxurious culinary experience.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The golden, crispy top conceals a soft, decadent interior waiting to surprise you.

Traditional comfort food meets gourmet elegance in this classic preparation that elevates humble ingredients.

Cheese and potatoes intertwine in a symphony of warmth and satisfaction that speaks to the heart of home cooking.

Prepare to be delighted by a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

How to Layer and Bake Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Potato and Onion Base

Peel and slice potatoes and onions. Layer them alternately in the prepared baking dish, creating overlapping, attractive layers.

Step 3: Craft Silky Cheese Sauce

• Flour
• Kosher salt

Continue whisking for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds.

Step 5: Cover Potatoes with Sauce

Pour cheese sauce evenly over potato and onion layers, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 85-90 minutes until potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Create Crispy Topping

Remove foil and switch oven to broil. Broil for a few minutes until top turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot and savor the delicious, cheesy goodness.

Tips for Creamy, Golden Potato Perfection

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect texture.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration.
• Enhance Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Grate cheese directly from a block for better melting and smoother sauce, avoiding pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate potato and onion layers for maximum flavor distribution and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Avoid Sauce Separation: Stir cheese sauce constantly and remove from heat as soon as cheese melts to prevent grainy or oily texture.

Storage Tips That Keep Scalloped Potatoes Delicious

• Refrigeration: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Use shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when potatoes are steaming hot throughout.

What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Hearty Protein: Complement the rich, creamy scalloped potatoes with roasted chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin. The meat's savory flavors balance the cheesy, decadent potato dish perfectly.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. These wines provide a refreshing contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Create a light side of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette dressing. The salad's crispness and acidity will offset the heavy, comforting potato casserole and provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Serve with Tangy Condiment: Offer a side of homemade apple chutney or Dijon mustard. These condiments add a bright, sharp note that enhances the creamy potato layers and brings additional depth to the meal.

Tasty Variations on Scalloped Potatoes for Every Occasion

• Rustic Ranch Potato Bake: Replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack and mix in ranch seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
• Herb-Infused Alpine Style: Swap cheddar for gruyère cheese and add fresh thyme, rosemary, and chopped garlic. Use thinly sliced shallots instead of regular onions for a more sophisticated taste.
• Vegetarian Green Blend: Incorporate spinach between potato layers and use a combination of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Add nutritional yeast for extra depth and creamy texture without changing the core recipe structure.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Dice fresh jalapeños and layer them between potato slices. Use sharp cheddar cheese and add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for additional heat. Top with green onions before serving.

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are Always a Hit

• Creamy Cheese Explosion: Indulge in a luxurious sauce that blankets each potato slice with rich, melted cheddar, creating a velvety texture that melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.
• Layered Comfort Classic: Discover the perfect harmony of tender potatoes and sweet onion rings stacked in a beautiful casserole, offering a homemade comfort food experience that warms both heart and stomach.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: Master an easy method that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning side dish, with minimal prep and a forgiving cooking process that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a crowd-favorite recipe that works brilliantly for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events, satisfying both kids and adults with its irresistible cheesy goodness.

What Goes into Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Melt in Your Mouth

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy and ideal for creating a creamy, tender texture in scalloped potatoes with a smooth interior.
• Yellow Onions: Sharp flavor that mellows when baked, adding depth and sweetness to the dish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid that creates the classic smooth texture of scalloped potatoes.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully, giving a classic tangy and rich flavor to the dish.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps balance the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and completes the seasoning profile.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and steam during baking, ensuring potatoes cook evenly.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy dish cleanup.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes celebrate classic comfort with layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, melted cheese and a golden, crispy top. Hearty and satisfying, this French-inspired side dish promises to elevate your dining experience with each delectable, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.25-inch slices (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 1.5 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Fat Components:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk, room temperature

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 400°F (200°C) and coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Carefully slice potatoes and onions into thin, uniform rounds, creating alternating layers in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and kosher salt, continuously stirring for approximately 60 seconds to create a smooth roux.
4. Gradually stream milk into the roux, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
5. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a glossy, uniform texture.
6. Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring complete and even coverage throughout the casserole dish.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, checking potato tenderness by piercing with a fork.
8. For an enhanced golden crust, remove foil and activate the broiler setting, watching carefully to achieve a crisp, bronzed top without burning.
9. Season with additional salt and black pepper to elevate the flavors, then serve piping hot directly from the oven.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Slice potatoes and onions in advance, storing them in cold water to prevent browning and save time during cooking.
• Cheese Sauce Perfection: Whisk flour and butter constantly to create a smooth roux, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy, velvety sauce.
• Potato Selection Matters: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb the rich cheese sauce.
• Baking Time Tip: Cover with foil to prevent top from burning, allowing potatoes to cook evenly and become tender throughout the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set and make cutting and serving easier.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg