The Creamiest Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Your Table

Crispy edges and creamy layers make cheesy scalloped potatoes a comfort classic that melts hearts instantly.

Potato slices nestled between rich, velvety cheese create pure magic in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings demand this irresistible side dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Subtle herbs and sharp cheese combine to produce an incredibly satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Smooth and indulgent, these potatoes promise to become your new favorite go-to recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this timeless dish.

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are A Comfort Classic

• Create Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a rich, velvety potato dish that wraps you in pure culinary warmth with its smooth, cheesy layers and perfectly seasoned cream mixture.
• Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality side dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a universally loved recipe that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adaptable to any meal or occasion, this potato dish complements roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and works beautifully as a standalone comfort food throughout the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Thinly sliced rounds that create the hearty base of this creamy side dish.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious texture to the potato layers.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors throughout the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a melty, golden-brown top with a complex, sharp flavor profile.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Nutmeg: Enhance the overall depth and warmth of the potato dish.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves, Fresh Parsley: Add bright, herbal notes and a fresh finish to the creamy potatoes.

• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and dotting the top layer for extra richness.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps control the cooking process and prevent excessive browning.

How To Bake Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Generously coat the entire surface with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes with Precision

Grab your potatoes and give them a good wash. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, create paper-thin, see-through rounds that will cook evenly and look stunning.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Flavor Explosion

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together into a fragrant symphony.

Step 4: Build the First Potato Layer

Arrange half of your potato slices in the buttered dish. Overlap them slightly to create a beautiful, structured landscape that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Pour on the Cream Magic

Drizzle half of your creamy mixture over the potato layer. Make sure every potato gets a luxurious coating of those incredible seasonings.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover the potatoes with this melty, golden blanket of flavor.

Step 7: Repeat the Layering Masterpiece

Duplicate the previous steps with the remaining potato slices, cream mixture, cheddar, and parmesan. Each layer builds more deliciousness.

Step 8: Add Final Flavor Touches

Dot the top layer with butter pieces and scatter fresh thyme leaves across the surface for an aromatic explosion.

Step 9: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step 10: Crisp and Golden Finale

Remove the foil and continue baking for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top with bubbling, crispy edges that scream “eat me!”

Step 11: Let the Flavors Mingle

Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes. This magical pause lets the layers settle and the flavors intensify.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve this decadent side dish while it’s piping hot. Get ready for some serious comfort food love!

Pro Tips For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, paper-thin potato rounds that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes to protect the top from excessive browning while ensuring potatoes cook thoroughly.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Freshly ground nutmeg and thyme add sophisticated, aromatic depth that elevates the traditional cheesy potato casserole.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing creamy texture and rich taste.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and parmesan for a more complex, tangy flavor profile that melts beautifully.

Flavor Options For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Potato Gratin: Replace cheddar with gruyère cheese and add fresh rosemary and sage alongside thyme for an aromatic, earthy flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Casserole: Mix in diced green chiles, replace half of cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Bacon and Caramelized Onion Version: Crisp and crumble bacon between potato layers, add caramelized onions for depth, and use smoked gouda instead of cheddar for rich, complex taste.
• Mediterranean Potato Bake: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach between layers, finishing with a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, creamy cheese and hearty potato flavors, cutting through the dish's decadence with its tannic structure.
• Create Protein Companion: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or grilled beef tenderloin, allowing the scalloped potatoes to act as a luxurious supporting side that enhances the main protein's taste.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Balance the heaviness with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty, green contrast that refreshes the palate between creamy potato bites.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh thyme or chives on top just before serving to add brightness and herbal notes that elevate the dish's complexity and visual appeal.

How To Store Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Properly

• Store leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled potato dish securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, where it can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture and flavor.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed potatoes in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy top layer and prevent drying out.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar for gruyère, monterey jack, or gouda for varied flavor profiles while maintaining similar melting properties.

• Is a mandoline necessary for slicing potatoes?

While a mandoline helps create uniform slices, a sharp knife works perfectly fine. The key is cutting potatoes thinly and consistently to ensure even cooking.

• How can I make this dish lower in fat?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce cheese quantity. Using lower-fat cheese varieties can also help decrease overall calorie content.

• What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold are ideal. They hold their shape while becoming creamy and tender during baking, creating the perfect scalloped potato texture.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 100-105 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, irresistible Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table. Layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and savory cream promise a delightful side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes and Dairy:

• 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

Herbs and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Wash and thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife, creating uniform, translucent rounds for even cooking.
3. Combine heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, whisking to create a fragrant seasoning base.
4. Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an elegant, structured arrangement.
5. Pour half of the cream mixture over the first potato layer, ensuring even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
6. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the parmesan cheese over the first layer, creating a rich, melty foundation.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices, cream mixture, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.
8. Dot the top layer with butter pieces and scatter fresh thyme leaves across the surface for added aromatic depth.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy mixture.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy, with bubbling edges.
11. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot as a luxurious side dish.

Notes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife with caution to achieve thin, uniform potato slices for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda to add unique flavor profiles and create a personalized dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content without compromising richness.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by ensuring all cheese and dairy products are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 70-75 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg