The Ultimate Creamy Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes dance with creamy, cheesy goodness that promises pure comfort on your plate.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestle between rich, velvety sauce in this classic side dish.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a magical contrast that makes everyone swoon.

Cheese melts into every crevice, promising indulgent bites that feel like a warm hug.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Baking transforms these humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience potato perfection that will have you coming back for seconds.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredient List

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable perfect for creating a hearty base.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid that adds richness to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product for extra smoothness.
• Cheese: Melty and flavorful topping that brings delicious comfort.

• Garlic, Onion: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs for a subtle aromatic touch.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Non-stick agent for easy baking dish preparation.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking stage.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Baked to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a gentle butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the First Potato Layer

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh herbs

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Liquid

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently pour a portion of this silky mixture over the first potato layer.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Garlic
• Onion
• Cheese
• Herbs
• Cream mixture

Make sure the final layer showcases a beautiful topping of cheese and herbs.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the potato dish to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier. Cut into generous portions and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Potato Tips for Extra-Cheesy Scalloped Goodness

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into thin, even slices around 1/8 inch thick for consistent cooking and perfect texture.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before layering in the dish.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan to create a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Boost Herb Aromatics: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives can elevate the dish's flavor, adding a fragrant and gourmet touch to traditional scalloped potatoes.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour to create a creamy sauce suitable for dietary restrictions.

Store Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Side Matches

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to complement the creamy, rich potato dish with its bright acidity and fruity undertones.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the scalloped potatoes, cutting through the richness with fresh, zesty flavors.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Protein: Add a simple roasted chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin alongside the potatoes to create a complete, satisfying meal that enhances the dish's savory profile.
• Complement with Tangy Pickles: Include quick-pickled vegetables or a small side of cornichons to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between creamy potato bites.

Cheesy Scalloped Potato Combos

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Perfect for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free dieters.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower. Maintain the same layering technique and cheese ratios. Ideal for keto or low-carbohydrate meal plans.
• Vegetable Medley Upgrade: Add layers of thinly sliced zucchini, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes between traditional potato layers. Increases nutritional value and adds vibrant colors to the dish.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Version: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage instead of basic herbs. Incorporate pancetta or crispy bacon bits for added depth and savory complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with gruyère, monterey jack, or parmesan. Mix cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes about 1/8 inch thick. Consistent, thin slices ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. It contains dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese but no meat ingredients.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the scalloped potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

Scalloped Potatoes That Are Easy and Extra Cheesy

• Savor Effortless Comfort: This scalloped potatoes recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious side dish without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Warmer: Loaded with creamy cheese, garlic, and herbs, this dish brings families and friends together with its irresistible flavors and heartwarming appeal.
• Flexible Feast Maker: Customize the recipe by adding bacon, switching cheese types, or incorporating different herbs to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup make this recipe a go-to solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes” reveal comfort food magic from grandma’s kitchen. Layers of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and rich cream promise a hearty side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary or thyme

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create the first foundation layer by arranging delicate potato slices across the bottom of the dish, ensuring even coverage.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic and finely chopped onions uniformly over the potato base, providing an aromatic flavor profile.
4. Generously distribute a layer of shredded cheese across the seasoned potatoes, followed by a delicate dusting of fresh herbs.
5. Craft a rich cream mixture by whisking whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smoothly combined.
6. Methodically pour a portion of the cream mixture over the initial potato layer, allowing it to seep between the potato slices.
7. Repeat the layering process: arrange another set of potato slices, then cascade garlic, onions, cheese, and herbs, creating delectable stratified textures.
8. Continue building layers, alternating potatoes and creamy ingredients, ensuring each stratum is generously coated with the milk mixture.
9. Crown the dish with a final lavish layer of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of herbs for visual appeal and enhanced flavor.
10. Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a seal that traps moisture and promotes even cooking.
11. Bake covered for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy essence.
12. Remove the foil and return to the oven, baking an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
13. Once removed from the oven, let the dish rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to harmonize.
14. Serve warm, revealing the luscious, cheese-laden potato layers with each carefully portioned scoop.

Notes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyère, cheddar, or a blend for more complex flavor profiles and added depth.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding thinly sliced vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or leeks between potato layers for extra nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg