INGREDIENTS You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make my mouthwatering cheesy scalloped potatoes. This ingredient list is all about creating bold flavors that work together. And don’t worry, you can grab everything at your regular grocery store!

3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes: Thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick) – these hold their shape well.
1 large Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced.
4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
1/2 cup Butter: Unsalted.
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour.
4 cups Milk: Whole milk for the richest flavor.
2 cups Heavy Cream: Because we’re going all-in on the creaminess!
4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
1 cup Shredded Gruyere Cheese: Adds a nutty, delicious complexity.
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that extra cheesy punch.
1 tsp Salt: Or more, to taste.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
1/4 tsp Nutmeg: My secret ingredient! It adds a subtle warmth.
2 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves: Optional, but adds a lovely herbal note.

Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Boosters

No Gruyere? No problem! I often use Fontina or even a bit more cheddar in my cheesy scalloped potatoes. This cheesy potato bake gets its amazing taste from the combination of cheddar, Gruyere, and a touch of nutmeg. It’s a flavor explosion!

I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor to my cheesy scalloped potatoes. It adds a subtle smokiness that complements the cheese perfectly. For more cheesy recipes, check out these cheesy broccoli tater tots!

Prep Shortcuts

To save time on busy weeknights, I sometimes slice the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge. Just be sure to drain them well before using.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to business and make some cheesy scalloped potatoes! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

I’m walking you through this like we’re cooking together in my kitchen, so get ready for some fun!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, you’ll want to use a dish that’s deep enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening!
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. This helps create a creamy cheese sauce for the cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese, the Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This cheese sauce is the heart and soul of the scalloped potatoes with cheese sauce.
Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of onion mixture and pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layers until all the potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce are used, making sure the top layer is cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re using fresh thyme, sprinkle it over the cheese as well.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your cheesy scalloped potatoes should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Let the cheesy scalloped potatoes stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit.

This is my favorite part of making cheesy scalloped potatoes – watching the magic happen in the oven! In my kitchen, this creamy scalloped potatoes usually takes about an hour to bake completely, but oven times can vary.

Don’t worry if your cheesy scalloped potatoes looks a little bubbly while it’s baking; that just means the cheese is doing its thing! And if the top starts to brown too quickly, just tent it with foil.

How to Serve Up This!

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh out of the oven. Now what? Let me share some of my favorite ways to serve up this deliciousness!

This cheesy scalloped potatoes is the perfect side dish for so many things. It pairs perfectly with:

Grilled steak: The richness of the potatoes complements a juicy steak beautifully.
Roasted chicken: A classic comfort food combo!
Pork tenderloin: Adds a touch of indulgence to a simple pork dinner.
Ham: Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special Sunday supper.

People literally do happy dances when this cheesy scalloped potatoes hits the table with a side of glazed ham at Thanksgiving! It’s also perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special. Presentation is key! I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a fancy touch.

Leftover Transformation

Got leftovers? Turn them into cheesy scalloped potatoes frittatas! Just whisk some eggs with a little milk, pour over the potatoes, and bake until set.

Fusion Variation

I once added a layer of caramelized onions and bacon to my cheesy scalloped potatoes – it was a flavor explosion! So get creative and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

It’s similar to au gratin potatoes, but with my own personal twist. This cheesy scalloped potatoes reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini!

FAQs:

Got questions about making the perfect cheesy scalloped potatoes? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this recipe.

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this cheesy scalloped potatoes?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is totally doable for beginners. Just follow the steps carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you get stuck. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun!

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for cheesy scalloped potatoes?

A: I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. But Russet potatoes will also work in this cheesy potato bake.

Q: Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What if I mess up my cheesy scalloped potatoes? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Don’t sweat it! Even if your potatoes aren’t perfectly sliced or your cheese sauce isn’t perfectly smooth, it’ll still taste amazing. That’s the beauty of comfort food – it’s forgiving.

Q: How can I prep this cheesy scalloped potatoes for busy weeknights?

A: Slice the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge. You can also make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it separately.

Q: Can I freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes?

A: I don’t recommend freezing cheesy scalloped potatoes, as the texture can change when it thaws. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Q: What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

A: No problem! You can substitute with Fontina, Swiss, or even just use more cheddar cheese. It will still taste amazing. I’ve also seen some great cheesy scalloped potatoes variations like this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe | I Am Baker.

This recipe has truly been taste-tested to perfection. My family requests this cheesy scalloped potatoes every holiday and special occasion. They especially love it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top.

CONCLUSION:

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is more than just a dish – it’s a warm hug on a plate! It brings me so much joy to share this recipe with you, and I can’t wait to hear about your own cheesy scalloped potatoes adventures.

My cheesy scalloped potatoes Flavor Secrets:

Nutmeg: Don’t skip the nutmeg! It adds a subtle warmth that takes this dish to the next level.
Gruyere Cheese: The Gruyere adds a nutty, complex flavor that you won’t find in other scalloped potato recipes.
Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note that complements the cheese perfectly.

Delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes Variations I’ve Tested:

Jalapeño Cheddar Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. Perfect for game night!
Bacon & Onion Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Cook some bacon until crispy and crumble it over the top of the potatoes along with some caramelized onions. This version is always a crowd-pleaser!
Spinach & Artichoke Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add some chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the cheese sauce for a veggie-packed twist. This cheesy scalloped potatoes dish is perfect for a lighter meal. Also, if you love creamy potatoes, you might like Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes | Ambitious Kitchen.

Remember, cooking is all about trusting your taste buds and getting creative in the kitchen. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this cheesy scalloped potatoes your own.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the delicious magic for yourself! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Also, check out other amazing recipes like this Creamy, cheesy, and the easiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe you’ll … on Facebook. And if you’re looking for another cheesy side, then you should check out these Cheesy Veggie Crescent Bites. This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a weeknight winner that doesn’t sacrifice on taste!

cheesy scalloped potatoes

Print Recipe

This classic cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect comforting side dish for any occasion.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese sauce. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use Gruyere or Swiss cheese in addition to cheddar. You can also add thinly sliced ham or bacon between the layers.