When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, creamy goodness of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress with its perfectly tender potatoes enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce. Whether served for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or alongside your favorite roasted meats, this cheesy dish offers a combination of simplicity and indulgence that’s hard to resist.

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless recipe, loved for their creamy texture and savory flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to transform humble ingredients—potatoes, butter, flour, and cheese—into a luxurious, comforting experience. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, then topped with shredded Cheddar cheese for a rich, melty finish. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is crispy on top, tender inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are bound to become a family favorite that you’ll return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something about creamy, cheesy potatoes that just feels like home. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and a surefire way to satisfy your cravings.

2. Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a holiday meal, family gathering, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a great addition to a festive spread and pairs wonderfully with meats and vegetables.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

With just a few simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and Cheddar cheese, this recipe turns everyday items into an unforgettable dish.

4. Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare this dish in advance, saving time on busy days. Assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

5. Rich and Creamy Texture

The creamy sauce coats the potatoes perfectly, creating a dish that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with every bite.

Ingredients

Large potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
Butter
All-purpose flour
Salt
Black pepper
Milk
Shredded Cheddar cheese

Variations

Add Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in minced garlic while making the sauce.
Use Different Cheeses: While Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Bacon and Scallions: Add crispy bacon bits and chopped scallions to the layers for added texture and flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor of the dish.
Vegan Option: Swap out the butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives, and use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper, and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly bubbly. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom. Pour half of the prepared milk sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, milk sauce, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This will allow the potatoes to cook through while retaining moisture.

Step 5: Finish Baking

After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.

Step 6: Let It Set

Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares or portions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice the Potatoes Thinly: Thin slices will cook evenly and quickly, ensuring a creamy texture throughout.
Use a Mandolin: For perfectly even slices, a mandolin slicer is a great tool to ensure consistent thickness.
Season the Sauce: Don’t skimp on seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika or thyme to enhance the flavor.
Cover During the First Bake: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook through without drying out.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce firm up and make it easier to serve.

How to Serve

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are perfect as a side dish for almost any main course. Serve them alongside roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, or pair them with grilled vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian meal. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a holiday spread, adding a rich, comforting element to your table. You can even enjoy them on their own with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely, then cover tightly and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven for best results. Cover with foil to prevent the top from overbaking and dry, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

1. Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, you can use red potatoes, but keep in mind they hold their shape better than russets, so the texture of the final dish might be slightly different.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before cooking.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the layers?

Definitely! Feel free to add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms to the layers for added flavor.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a sharp, spicy cheese like pepper jack.

6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese works well in this recipe, but for the creamiest texture, fresh shredded cheese is recommended.

7. Why is my sauce too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes while stirring. It should thicken up as it cooks.

8. Can I freeze the cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, be sure to let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

9. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?

You can use a smaller or larger dish, just make sure the potatoes are in an even layer for even cooking.

10. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cheese should be golden and bubbly on top.

Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, with tender, creamy potatoes layered in a rich, cheesy sauce that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any time of year. So go ahead and treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy delight—you deserve it!