Cheesy scalloped potatoes are one of those timeless dishes that bring warmth and comfort to any meal. I remember my family gathering around the table, eagerly waiting for the golden, bubbly casserole to come out of the oven. The combination of tender potatoes and rich cheese sauce creates a satisfying texture that feels both indulgent and homey.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The layers of creamy sauce and cheese meld beautifully with the potatoes, making each bite flavorful and smooth.

This dish is incredibly versatile, too. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side, cheesy scalloped potatoes fit right in. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and fresh vegetables, rounding out a balanced and hearty meal.

Over time, I’ve found that making this recipe ahead of time and letting it rest after baking really enhances the flavors and texture. It’s a dish that rewards a little patience and care, resulting in a comforting classic that never fails to please.

Quick Facts

Recipe Highlights

Scalloped potatoes have always been a comforting side dish in my home, especially during cooler months when hearty meals are most welcome. I often prepare this recipe for family dinners or holiday gatherings because it brings everyone together around the table. The creamy layers of potatoes and cheese create a rich, satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. What makes this dish special to me is how simple ingredients transform into something indulgent yet familiar, evoking nostalgic memories while still feeling fresh and homemade.

• Uses simple, common ingredients you likely have on hand
• Can be prepared ahead and baked when needed
• Easily scaled up for larger gatherings
• Freezes well for convenient future meals
• Comforting and filling side dish
• Pairs well with a wide range of main courses

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make a creamy, cheesy scalloped potato dish that’s both rich and flavorful. Most of these are common kitchen staples, so you likely have many on hand already.

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

Follow these straightforward steps to build layers of tender potatoes and creamy cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and half of the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
7. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce layers.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
11. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Helpful Tips

Here are some practical tips to help you get the best results with this recipe.

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Use a mandoline slicer if you have one to speed up prep.
• Don’t skip resting time after baking; it helps the sauce thicken.
• If sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash of milk.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the top from burning during the initial bake.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to switch things up or accommodate what you have, consider these ingredient alternatives.

• Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
• Replace Gruyère with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Use vegetable broth in place of some milk for added flavor.
• Try smoked cheddar for a subtle smoky note.

Storage Tips

To keep your scalloped potatoes fresh and tasty, follow these storage suggestions.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to maintain texture.

What to Serve With It

This dish complements many mains and sides—here are a few ideas to round out your meal.

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled pork chops

Common Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making scalloped potatoes.

Nutritional Info