Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Rich Comfort Food Magic

Golden, creamy scalloped potatoes with their irresistible cheese layers will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Soft potato slices nestled between rich, melted cheese create a comfort food masterpiece.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that speak to the heart of home cooking.

The classic side dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Sliced potatoes bathed in a velvety cheese sauce develop a golden, crispy top that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike become memorable with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s unlock the secret to making these decadent potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are So Popular

• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or as a standalone vegetarian meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in less than an hour, this creamy potato dish impresses guests and family members with its rich, indulgent taste and golden cheesy top.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup required with simple stovetop-to-oven preparation, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy households.

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Creamy and starchy stars of this cheesy dish.
• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid that adds depth to the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base for the sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Melty and delicious cheese blend.

• Onion, Garlic: Fragrant flavor boosters.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning duo.

• Butter, Parsley: Adds richness and fresh green garnish.

How to Make Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a blazing 425°F.

This high heat will help create that perfect golden-brown cheesy top.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Boosters

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Minced onions
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream

Add sliced potatoes and gently stir to coat them completely in the luxurious liquid mixture.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Cover the skillet and let the potatoes simmer on medium-low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are almost tender but not fully cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mixed cheeses over the top, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt completely and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Top Tips for Scalloped Potato Layers

• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and keep them bright white.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyere for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How to Keep Scalloped Potatoes Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled scalloped potatoes to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain potato texture.

Best Dishes to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair Perfectly with Roasted Proteins: Complement the creamy, cheesy potatoes with succulent roasted chicken, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or slow-roasted beef for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Wine Wonderland: Enhance the rich, decadent flavors with a crisp Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that cuts through the creaminess and balances the dish's richness.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Balance the heavy potato dish with a light, zesty green salad featuring crisp lettuce, tangy vinaigrette, and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing contrast and cleanse the palate.
• Veggie Vibrance: Add roasted green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic and lemon to bring bright, fresh elements that complement the potato's creamy texture.

Ways to Vary Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a meat-free version. Use plant-based butter and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to maintain the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips. Reduce cooking time and adjust seasoning to complement the lighter vegetables.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. Incorporate fresh chives, dill, or green onions for an extra burst of herbal freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes. Just ensure they are sliced uniformly for even cooking.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock. The recipe will remain creamy and delicious without meat-based ingredients.

• What cheese combinations work best?

Gruyère and cheddar are excellent choices. You can also mix mozzarella, Parmesan, or fontina for added depth of flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The current recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your stock and cheese are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, layered cheesy scalloped potatoes deliver pure comfort from first forkful to last bite. Rich cheese and tender potato slices promise a classic side dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 1.75 pounds (680 to 794 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded cheese:
• 2 cups (227 grams) Cheddar cheese
• 0.75 cup (85 grams) Fontina or Provolone cheese
• 0.25 cup (28 grams) Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) heavy cream
• 0.75 cup (177 milliliters) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, plus extra for greasing

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 medium onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), creating the perfect environment for a golden, bubbling potato casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter until it shimmers, then add finely chopped onions and sauté until they transform into a soft, translucent delicacy.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, along with a whisper of salt and pepper, allowing the aromatics to dance and release their fragrant essence for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, creating a luxurious liquid bath for the potato slices, gently stirring to ensure each slice is thoroughly coated.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer delicately, covered, over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote even cooking until the potatoes approach tenderness.
6. Prepare an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with a gentle butter massage, then lovingly transfer the creamy potato mixture into its new home.
7. Generously blanket the potatoes with a harmonious blend of cheeses, creating a promise of golden, melty deliciousness.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest briefly, letting the flavors meld and settle.
10. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley, then serve this comforting dish while it’s tantalizingly warm.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most tender result.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy consistency.
• Pat potato slices completely dry before cooking to ensure better browning and crisp edges.
• Layer cheese gradually for more balanced melting and deeper flavor distribution.
• Lower oven temperature to 375°F for softer, more delicate potato texture if concerned about burning.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version.
• Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for vegetarian adaptation.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced aromatic complexity.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from over-browning too quickly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg