The Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic for Every Occasion

Prepare to elevate your side dish game with these incredible Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, renowned for its layers upon layers of thinly sliced, tender potatoes generously smothered in a rich, velvety, and utterly unforgettable cheese sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evoking warmth and comfort with every bite. Requiring just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to bring together, yet delivers a spectacular result that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

scalloped potatoes in a white casserole dish.

We all have that one dish we secretly (or not-so-secretly) seek out at potlucks and family gatherings, don’t we? That irresistible comfort food that makes an appearance and instantly brightens the table. Well, what if *your* dish became the most coveted item at every get-together? These cheesy scalloped potatoes are designed to do just that! Imagine perfectly softened potatoes, bathed in a gooey, bubbling cheese sauce – it’s a combination that’s truly addicting, in the best possible way.

The best part? You’ll have a fool-proof recipe to share with all your admirers, so they won’t have to lament the absence of this potato perfection. As you expand your repertoire of delicious sides, be sure to also check out my Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Loaded Mac and Cheese, and Creamed Corn. These are all guaranteed to become staples in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This isn’t just another potato dish; it’s a culinary experience. Here’s why these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:

Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, a rich Béchamel sauce, and two types of delicious cheese creates an unparalleled depth of flavor. A hint of nutmeg adds that classic, warming touch.
Comfort Food at its Finest: There’s something incredibly satisfying about a creamy, cheesy potato dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or festive celebrations.
Impressive Presentation: With its beautifully layered structure and golden-brown, bubbly top, this dish looks as good as it tastes. It’s guaranteed to impress your guests without requiring complicated techniques.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled chicken, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
Easy to Scale: Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large holiday feast, this recipe can be easily scaled up to fit your needs.

Key Ingredients and How to Choose Them

The magic of cheesy scalloped potatoes lies in the quality and preparation of a few key ingredients. Let’s break them down:

Potatoes: We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor. They hold their shape well when sliced thin but become incredibly tender when baked. Other good options include Russet potatoes (which will be fluffier) or red potatoes (which are waxier and hold their shape even better). Avoid new potatoes or very starchy varieties that might break down too much.
Cheese: This recipe calls for a blend of white cheddar and mozzarella. White cheddar offers a sharp, tangy flavor that beautifully cuts through the richness, while mozzarella provides that incredible stretch and gooey factor. Always shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
Milk: Whole milk is crucial for a rich, creamy Béchamel sauce. Its higher fat content contributes to a luscious texture and better flavor. While you can use lower-fat milk, the sauce might be thinner and less decadent.
Butter and Flour: These two form the base of our roux, which thickens the milk into the Béchamel sauce. Using good quality butter makes a difference in flavor.
Garlic and Nutmeg: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth, and a pinch of nutmeg is the traditional secret ingredient for Béchamel-based potato dishes, lending a subtle warmth that enhances the cheese and potato flavors without being overpowering.
Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key! Don’t be shy; potatoes love salt. Taste your sauce before layering and adjust as needed.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Creating these delightful potatoes is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved, with more detailed instructions in the recipe card below:

Prep Ingredients – Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The most crucial prep step is slicing your potatoes thinly and uniformly, ideally to 1/8-inch rounds. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for consistent results.
Craft the Cheese Sauce – In a saucepan, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing it to a simmer until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, until smooth and melted.
Layer to Perfection – Arrange a quarter of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Pour a quarter of the rich cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle with a quarter of the reserved shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process three more times until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake to Golden Goodness – Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This initial covered bake allows the potatoes to steam and cook through without drying out. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the top layer of cheese to turn a beautiful golden brown and become deliciously bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

photo collage with two photos. One photo showing sliced potatoes in a casserole dish with sauce on top. Another photo showing sliced potatoes with sauce and cheese.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your scalloped potatoes from good to absolutely perfect:

Uniform Slicing is Key: The most important tip is to slice your potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible, ideally 1/8-inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate and become uniformly tender. A mandoline slicer is truly your best friend here, delivering consistent results that are difficult to achieve with a knife alone.
Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to venture beyond traditional cheddar and mozzarella. Gouda offers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor; Pepper Jack adds a delightful spicy kick; Gruyère provides a sophisticated, earthy note; and Mexican shredded cheese blends can introduce a new dimension. Just ensure your chosen cheeses melt well for that desirable gooey texture.
Don’t Overstack the Layers: While it’s tempting to make a super-tall casserole, try not to layer the potatoes significantly more than the recipe suggests. If you make the dish too deep, the center potatoes may struggle to cook evenly, leading to a mix of tender and still-hard slices. If you want a larger batch, opt for a wider baking dish rather than a deeper one.
Milk Matters: While whole milk is recommended for the richest sauce, you generally can use other milk preferences. However, keep in mind that lower-fat milks might result in a thinner sauce. For an extra luxurious texture, a touch of heavy cream can be added to the milk mixture.
To Peel or Not to Peel: This is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the peel on the potatoes adds a rustic touch and some additional fiber. If you choose to keep the skins on, ensure you scrub the potatoes thoroughly before slicing. I personally prefer them peeled for a smoother, more uniform texture, but many enjoy the peel.
Troubleshooting Hard Potatoes: If your potatoes are still hard after the recommended cooking time, it simply means they need more time in the oven. The total cooking time can vary based on your oven, the exact thickness of your slices, and the type of potato used. Always check for tenderness with a fork at the one-hour mark before removing the foil. If they’re still firm, cover again and continue baking in 15-minute increments until perfectly tender.
Season Every Layer: Don’t just season the sauce. Lightly sprinkle each potato layer with a little salt and pepper before adding the sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned throughout the entire dish.
Let it Rest: After baking, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from becoming too runny.
Prevent Sticking: Always thoroughly grease your baking dish, especially the bottom and sides, to prevent the cheesy potatoes from sticking and making cleanup a breeze.

Storage and Reheating Scalloped Potatoes

Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes are a delicious treat! Here’s how to properly store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

In the Fridge: Once completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Realistically, they probably won’t last that long!
In the Freezer: For longer storage, scalloped potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Place cooled portions in an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: The best method for reheating is the oven, as it helps retain the creamy texture and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat of individual portions, the microwave works. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the sauce separate or the potatoes rubbery.

What to Serve With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs well with a vast array of main entrees. Their rich, creamy nature complements both hearty meats and lighter proteins beautifully. While it’s impossible to list every single dish they enhance, here are some of my favorite and most highly recommended pairings:

Roasted Meats: They are a classic companion for holiday roasts. Think Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, a succulent roasted turkey, a tender pork loin, or a perfectly seared steak. The potatoes soak up pan juices and provide a comforting counterpoint to the savory meat.
Grilled Favorites: The smoky flavor of grilled dishes, like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, grilled pork chops, or even grilled salmon, forms a fantastic contrast with the creamy potatoes.
One-Pan Wonders: Pair them with easy skillet meals such as a Chicken and Mushroom Skillet or a simple sausage and peppers dish.
Hearty Seafood: Don’t limit yourself to just meat! These potatoes are surprisingly delicious alongside baked cod, pan-seared scallops, or a rich lobster tail, adding a grounding element to the meal.
Vegetarian Options: For a delicious vegetarian feast, serve them with a hearty lentil loaf, roasted root vegetables, or a robust mushroom bourguignon.
Everyday Comfort: For a simple weeknight meal, pair them with meatloaf, crispy baked chicken tenders, or even a flavorful Honey Glazed Pork Chop. The rich potatoes turn any dinner into a special occasion.

No matter what you choose, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit, making your meal more memorable and delicious.

5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

By Julie Maestre

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a true classic, featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in an unforgettable cheese sauce. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any family meal, this comforting side dish is easy to make and guarantees a delicious, gooey, and perfectly tender potato experience.

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 6 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8″ rounds
▢ 2 tbsp all purpose flour
▢ 2 tbsp butter
▢ 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
▢ 1/4 tsp nutmeg
▢ 3 cups whole milk
▢ 2 cups white cheddar, shredded
▢ 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
▢ Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, carefully slice the peeled potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch rounds. Set aside.
To prepare the Béchamel cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking frequently, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of the shredded white cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Reserve the mozzarella and remaining cheddar for layering.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange approximately 1/4 of the sliced potatoes in a single, even layer at the bottom of the dish. Pour about 1/4 of the prepared cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the remaining shredded cheeses (mozzarella and any extra cheddar). Repeat this layering process three more times until all potatoes, sauce, and cheese are used, ending with a generous cheese layer on top.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. The foil helps to steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through evenly.
Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 374

Keyword: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

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There you have it – a comprehensive guide to crafting the most irresistible Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes your dinner table has ever seen. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a statement, a heartwarming classic that promises to bring smiles and satisfied sighs with every cheesy, tender spoonful. Don’t wait for a special occasion; make these today and turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. Happy cooking!