If you have a soft spot for dishes that wrap comfort and flavor into every forkful, you are about to fall in love with this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a velvety, cheesy sauce that bubbles up golden on top—a true classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a dish that’s irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this dish. Each element plays a key role in building the rich texture, deep flavor, and that irresistible golden crust that makes this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a standout. These are pantry staples that come together to create magic in your oven.
- Potatoes: Use about 1 kilogram of thinly sliced potatoes for tender layers that absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup adds melty, stretchy goodness that complements the sharper cheddar.
- Cheddar cheese: ¾ cup brings a bold, tangy depth to the cheesy sauce.
- Cream: 1 cup offers rich, smooth texture that makes every bite luscious.
- Milk: 1.5 cups balances the cream for a perfect sauce consistency.
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons to make the roux and add buttery flavor.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons to thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon infuses a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon adds savory warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the sauce just right.
- Parsley or dill: Fresh herbs for a bright, colorful garnish that contrasts the richness.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously buttering your baking dish. Peel and slice your potatoes thinly and evenly—to ensure they cook perfectly all the way through. Layer these slices neatly into your baking dish, building the base of your creamy masterpiece.
Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and whisk in the flour. Keep stirring to create a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Season your sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer until thickened to velvety perfection.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. This cheesy blend is the heart of your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, soaking into every tender potato slice.
Step 4: Bake in Two Stages for Perfect Texture
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this, remove the foil, pour the remaining sauce evenly on top, and bake uncovered for about an hour until the top is golden brown and potatoes are fork-tender. This two-step baking locks in moisture while creating that perfect crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over your dish for a touch of brightness and color. Serve it hot or warm to fully savor that creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill not only brightens the look of the dish but also cuts through the richness with a fresh herbal note. A light dusting of paprika can also add a subtle smoky flavor and extra color appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, and a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess. Steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus add crunch and freshness, rounding out a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your cheesy scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins topped with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Alternatively, layer in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation that keeps the dish warm at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more when cooled, making for easy and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze baked scalloped potatoes by letting them cool completely, then covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out. Microwave works too, but the oven method is best for preserving that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for that creamy texture, Yukon Golds work wonderfully too and offer a slightly buttery flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cheese with plant-based alternatives and use coconut or almond milk with a dairy-free butter to achieve a similar creamy effect.
How thin should the potato slices be?
About 1/8 inch thick works best; thin enough to cook evenly but thick enough to hold their shape and texture during baking.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a little extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce thickens too much, you can whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, continue simmering gently until it reaches a thicker consistency before adding the cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to make any occasion special. I can’t recommend it enough—grab these ingredients, get your oven ready, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plateful of creamy, cheesy comfort. You won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a creamy, comforting baked casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce made with mozzarella, cheddar, cream, and milk. Seasoned with onion and garlic powders, this dish achieves the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and tender potato texture, garnished with fresh parsley or dill for a fresh finish. Ideal as a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Slice and layer potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly. Layer the slices carefully in the buttered baking dish to create an even base.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring consistently until the mixture is smooth and cooked through to form a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheeses to sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until fully melted, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Bake first layer: Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start cooking the potatoes gently.
- Add remaining sauce and finish baking: Remove the foil and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for an additional 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot or warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven texture.
- Soaking potato slices in cold water for 15 minutes before layering can help remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
- For a richer or more complex flavor, try substituting or mixing in cheeses like gruyere or fontina.
