Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting, rich, and creamy dish that combines tender potatoes with a velvety cheese sauce. This classic recipe is a perfect side dish for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in a luscious cheese sauce made with Cheddar, butter, and milk, then baked until golden and bubbly. Whether you’re pairing it with a roast chicken, a juicy steak, or serving it as a standalone dish, cheesy scalloped potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the comforting flavors make this recipe a favorite among home cooks. The potatoes absorb the creamy sauce while baking, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. With just a few basic steps, you can make this indulgent side dish in no time and enjoy a meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy

The combination of Cheddar cheese and a rich, creamy sauce enveloping the tender potatoes creates an indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

2. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an easy dish to prepare on short notice.

3. Make-Ahead Potential

You can assemble the dish ahead of time, making it a great option for busy holidays or weeknight dinners when you don’t have much time to cook.

4. Perfectly Baked

The layering technique ensures that every potato slice gets coated in the creamy sauce, and the final bake results in a golden, bubbly crust.

5. Versatile Pairing

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes pair perfectly with almost any main course, from roast chicken to steak, or even as part of a holiday spread.

Ingredients

Potatoes
Butter
All-purpose flour
Salt
Black pepper
Milk
Shredded Cheddar cheese

Variations

1. Add Garlic

Infuse your cheese sauce with garlic for a flavorful twist. Sauté minced garlic with the butter before adding the flour.

2. Use Different Cheeses

For a different flavor profile, try using Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese in place of or alongside the Cheddar.

3. Add Bacon

Crispy bacon bits can be added between the layers for an extra burst of savory flavor.

4. Spicy Scalloped Potatoes

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Stir in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more aromatic dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the milk sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your scalloped potatoes!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Potatoes Evenly: For consistent cooking, make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly, ideally about 1/8 inch thick.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish with foil during the first hour ensures the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce without drying out.
Let the Dish Rest: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and set.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest texture, use full-fat milk and cheese.

How to Serve

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are an excellent side dish for almost any meal. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. Serve them alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish, or pair them with some sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through, which may take an additional 30 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute Cheddar with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

2. Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a creamy texture.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

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

The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese should be bubbly and golden.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

6. Can I make this without flour?

Yes, you can use cornstarch or another thickening agent as a substitute for flour if needed.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

8. Can I freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the cheese sauce to give it a spicy kick.

10. Can I use a different milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With their creamy texture, rich flavor, and gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a favorite side dish for your next dinner gathering. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or as part of a weeknight meal, this dish is easy to prepare and always a hit. Try different variations to suit your tastes, and enjoy the delicious layers of cheesy goodness in every bite!