Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. This version is rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes soaked in a garlicky cream sauce and topped with bubbling cheddar, this dish is ideal for any holiday, dinner party, or cozy Sunday meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, ham, or prime rib, these scalloped potatoes steal the show every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra creamy cheese sauce
• Crisp, golden baked top
• Crowd-pleaser for holidays or weeknights
• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Easy to prep ahead

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2½ cups heavy cream
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes
   Peel (optional) and slice potatoes ⅛–¼ inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
2. Make the sauce
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and thyme for 1 minute. Add flour and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add cream and cheese
   Slowly whisk in cream, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted.
4. Layer the dish
   Grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Add half the potatoes in an even layer. Pour over half the cheese sauce. Sprinkle with ½ of the remaining cheese.
5. Repeat
   Layer the rest of the potatoes, pour remaining sauce, and top with final cheese layer. Sprinkle with chives.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve
   Let rest 10 minutes before serving to set.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 408
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 326mg
• Calcium: 372mg

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon golds for a buttery flavor.
• For gluten-free, replace flour with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed into cream.
• Swap cheddar with Gruyère, white cheddar, or mozzarella.
• Add diced ham or bacon for a heartier version.
• Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.

FAQs

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not necessarily. Leaving skins on adds texture and saves time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in oven for best texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk or 2%, but the sauce will be thinner. Avoid low-fat milk.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer everything in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes layered with garlic cheddar sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 408

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2.5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes sliced thin
• – 3 tbsp butter
• – ½ onion chopped
• – 3 garlic cloves minced
• – 2½ cups heavy cream
• – 3 tbsp flour
• – 1 tsp salt
• – ½ tsp pepper
• – 1 tsp thyme
• – ½ tsp cayenne optional
• – 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• – 1 tbsp chives chopped

Equipment

• – Mandoline or sharp knife
• Saucepan
• – 9×13″ baking dish
• Foil

Method

 

1. Slice potatoes evenly (⅛–¼ inch thick).
2. In saucepan, melt butter. Add onions. Cook 3 mins.
3. Add garlic & thyme. Stir in flour.
4. Slowly add cream. Add salt, pepper, cayenne.
5. Stir in 2 cups cheese until melted.
6. Grease 9×13” dish. Add half potatoes, half sauce, some cheese.
7. Repeat layer. Top with chives.
8. Cover & bake at 375°F for 40 mins.
9. Uncover, bake 20 mins more. Let rest 10 mins.

Notes

– Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
– Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
– Add ham for a full meal version.

Conclusion

These creamy scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed hit at any table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, they’re cheesy, comforting, and easy to prepare. Try pairing them with your favorite roast or enjoy them as the main event with a fresh green salad.