Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, Golden & Comforting Every Time

There’s something magical about a pan of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes coming out of the oven — golden, bubbling, and smelling like heaven. The layers of tender potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce make this dish the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe that fits every occasion, from holiday dinners to lazy Sunday nights.

The first time I made these scalloped potatoes, it was for Easter dinner. My grandma always served a version with ham, but I wanted to try something simpler and cheesier. I remember watching the sauce bubble under the crispy top and realizing I’d found a new family favorite. Since then, this dish has made an appearance at almost every celebration.

Now, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes sit proudly next to my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole and Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup as one of my most-requested comfort sides.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and golden baked perfection — the ultimate comfort side dish for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you need something cozy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Classic, Holiday

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• — Optional Garnish —
• Chopped parsley or chives
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• medium saucepan
• whisk
• Knife or mandoline For slicing potatoes thinly and evenly

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch rounds.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the diced onion until soft. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until melted and smooth.
4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese (if using), and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 9gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Make ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving. Use a mandoline for evenly thin slices of potatoes for the best results.

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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and impossible to resist. The combination of soft, thinly sliced potatoes layered with a homemade cheese sauce makes this a show-stopping side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

If you love rich, creamy recipes like my White Lasagna Soup or Crack Chicken & Rice Soup, this will hit the same cozy, cheesy spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potatoes:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Extra cheese for topping

If you love cheesy side dishes, you’ll also love my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup — another recipe that’s indulgent but surprisingly simple.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking until smooth and thickened.

Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the top, spreading evenly. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake another 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

If you’re craving cozy dishes that pair well with any main course, this one’s as versatile as my French Onion Ground Beef.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice evenly: Thin, even slices ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Use sharp cheddar: It adds the best flavor and melts perfectly.
• Let it rest: Cooling slightly helps the sauce thicken.
• Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and bake before serving.

These tricks are the same ones I use for my Garten Shepherd’s Pie — simple steps that make comfort food truly shine.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly before baking and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions.

Just like my Christmas Bread Recipe, this dish reheats beautifully — perfect for leftovers.

Flavor Variations

1. Ham & Potato Scallop: Add diced ham for a full meal.
2. Broccoli Cheddar Version: Stir in steamed broccoli before baking.
3. Smoky Twist: Use smoked gouda or add a dash of smoked paprika.
4. Loaded Potato Style: Top with bacon and green onions before serving.

If you love playing with flavor, this one’s just as customizable as my Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Absolutely — it’ll still be rich and creamy.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

The Final Bite

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the definition of comfort food — creamy, buttery, and golden brown perfection. Every bite is rich and cheesy, with tender potatoes layered in luscious sauce. It’s the ultimate side dish that turns any meal into something special.

Serve it alongside roast chicken or my Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls and you’ll have a meal that’s cozy, classic, and completely irresistible.