Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Introduction

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until golden and bubbling. This dish combines tender, perfectly layered potatoes with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, making it a must-have addition to holiday meals, potlucks, or family dinners.

I first made Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for a Thanksgiving dinner, and it quickly became a family favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with a hint of garlic and topped with a layer of melted, crispy cheese, elevates the humble potato into a luxurious and irresistible dish. The tender layers soak up the cheesy goodness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can use a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, to customize the flavor. Add beef bacon bits, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like thyme for extra depth. Whether served alongside roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a vegetarian spread, Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

Perfect for:

Holiday dinners
Potluck gatherings
Family meals
Comfort food cravings
Potato and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a must-try:

Rich and Creamy: The velvety cheese sauce perfectly coats the tender potato slices.
Golden Top: The baked golden crust adds a delightful crisp texture.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
Customizable Cheese Options: Use your favorite cheeses for unique flavor variations.
Comfort Food Classic: A timeless dish loved by all generations.
Perfect Side Dish: Complements a variety of main courses like roast beef, chicken.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will adore.
Impressive Presentation: Its layered look and bubbly top are as appealing as its flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Delicious, hearty, and affordable to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

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 shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Chopped parsley
Additional shredded cheese

Ingredient Highlights:

Russet Potatoes: Ideal for scalloped dishes due to their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the dish with a nutty, savory touch.
Butter and Flour: Creates a roux as the base for the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously, until golden.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking to combine. Cook until thickened.
Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble the Dish:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Finish Baking:

Remove Foil: Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

As a Holiday Side Dish: Pair with roasted turkey or beef bacon.
With Grilled Meats: Complements grilled beef steak or beef chops.
For Vegetarian Meals: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
At Potlucks: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport.
With Soup or Stew: Makes a hearty addition to soups or stews.
As a Breakfast Dish: Serve with eggs and beef bacon for a comforting brunch.
With Barbecue Favorites: A rich contrast to tangy barbecue beef ribs or chicken.
For Comfort Food Nights: Enjoy with warm bread and a simple dessert.
As a Standalone Dish: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or additional cheese.

Additional Tips

Use the Right Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, as they hold their shape well and absorb flavors nicely.
Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get uniformly thin potato slices. This ensures even cooking.
Parboil Potatoes First: For quicker cooking and creaminess, partially boil your potato slices for about 5 minutes before layering them in the dish.
Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Mix different cheeses for a richer flavor (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan).
Add Garlic Flavor: Sauté minced garlic in butter and add it to your cream sauce or layer it with the potatoes for a deeper flavor.
Season Layer by Layer: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme or parsley) on each layer, not just on the top, for even seasoning throughout the dish.
Use Heavy Cream for Richness: Swap regular milk with heavy cream for a creamier, indulgent texture.
Add Beef Bacon Bits: Layer in crispy beef bacon bits between the potatoes for a smoky, savory touch.
Top with Extra Cheese and Bread Crumbs: Before baking, add a mix of cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, golden crust.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and improves overall texture.

Recipe Variations

Three-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes: Add mozzarella and Gruyère for extra creaminess.
Beef Bacon-Infused Potatoes: Mix in crispy beef bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Herbed Potatoes: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Top with sour cream, green onions, and crumbled beef bacon.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Garlic Lovers’ Delight: Double the garlic powder or use roasted garlic.
Ham and Potato Casserole: Add diced meat ham for a hearty one-dish meal.
Vegetable Mix: Layer in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
Extra Crispy Top: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish – For baking and layering the scalloped potatoes.
Mandoline Slicer – For slicing potatoes evenly and thinly.
Cutting Board – Essential for chopping garlic, onions, or herbs.
Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Mixing Bowl – To combine cheese, cream, and seasonings.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of ingredients.
Whisk – To mix cream, butter, and seasonings smoothly.
Silicone Spatula – For spreading and layering ingredients evenly.
Aluminum Foil – To cover the dish while baking and prevent over-browning.
Oven Mitts – To safely handle the hot baking dish once it’s out of the oven.

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Assemble up to a day ahead and bake just before serving.
How do I reheat scalloped potatoes?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until warmed through.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.
Can I use pre-sliced potatoes?
Yes, but ensure they are thin and even.
What cheese substitutes can I use?
Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby work well.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook over low heat and avoid boiling the sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side dish that layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this classic favorite boasts a bubbly, crispy top with a rich, velvety interior that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this dish brings warmth and flavor to any table.

This simple recipe allows for endless customization—try adding garlic, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or chives for extra depth of flavor. Swap out the cheese with Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan for a twist, or sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for an added crunch. Whatever your choice, these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to admire your creamy, cheesy creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this classic dish your own!