Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, offering a creamy, cheesy experience that is both comforting and indulgent. This dish features layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, covered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, and baked to golden perfection. The blend of sharp cheddar cheese and a dash of cayenne pepper adds depth and warmth to every bite, making this recipe a family favorite for holidays, special occasions, or a simple weeknight dinner. Whether served alongside a roast, grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone dish, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes never fail to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the robust flavors create a mouthwatering result that’s sure to please anyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy Goodness

The rich cheese sauce enveloping the tender potatoes creates a luxurious, creamy texture that is simply irresistible. The sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor with every bite.

2. Easy to Prepare

This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and using ingredients you likely already have on hand. You’ll have this comforting dish in the oven in no time.

3. Versatile Side Dish

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes pair perfectly with a wide variety of main courses, from meats to vegetables, making them a versatile option for any meal.

4. Comfort Food at Its Best

This dish epitomizes the essence of comfort food. Its warm, cheesy sauce and tender potatoes make it the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

5. Customizable Flavors

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Add herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, or experiment with different cheese varieties to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash cayenne pepper
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated cheese (for sprinkling on top)

Variations

Garlic Herb Scalloped Potatoes

For added flavor, incorporate minced garlic and your favorite herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) into the sauce. The garlic will add a savory, aromatic layer to the dish.

Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

For a smoky twist, you can sprinkle in cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers of potatoes or on top before baking. Bacon adds a crunchy, savory element that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.

Extra Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

For an even richer dish, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. This will make the sauce thicker and creamier, resulting in a more indulgent texture.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, blend in the flour and let it sit for a minute to create a roux.

Step 2: Add Milk and Seasonings

Slowly add the cold milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Season the mixture with salt and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes smooth and begins to boil.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese

Reduce the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

Grease a 1-quart casserole dish and place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Add the second layer of sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining cheese sauce. Ensure the potatoes are evenly covered with the sauce.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the casserole to give it a beautifully golden and bubbly finish when baked.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips for Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Use Starchy Potatoes: For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets, as they break down during baking and create a creamier texture.
Thinly Slice Potatoes: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this task.
Avoid Overcooking the Sauce: Once the cheese is added to the sauce, don’t cook it for too long, as it can separate or become grainy.
Cover with Foil: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the potatoes are tender.

How to Serve

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes make a great side dish for a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a festive ham for a delicious and satisfying meal. These potatoes also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, make sure the dish is fully cooled before storing.

Freezing

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes can be frozen for later use. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the scalloped potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from over-browning while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or even broccoli for a more vegetable-packed version of this dish.

4. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients to the dish, but if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel them.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Frozen pre-sliced potatoes can be used, but fresh potatoes will yield a better texture and flavor.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, simply cook it a little longer over low heat until it thickens. Adding more cheese can also help create a thicker, creamier sauce.

8. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, but keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change.

9. Can I prepare this dish in a larger casserole dish?

If you double the recipe, make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

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

The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of creamy cheese sauce and tender potatoes that are baked to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that will become a staple at your table. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these potatoes are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors, the satisfying texture, and the comforting warmth in every bite!