If you are on the lookout for a comforting, creamy, and downright irresistible side dish, the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is going to win your heart and your dinner table. This classic recipe combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that oozes with sharp cheddar flavor and a subtle hint of spice. It’s that warm, cheesy goodness that transforms simple potatoes into a show-stopping dish, perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings. Once you master this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Working with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe balances flavor and texture beautifully. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a sauce that’s creamy and cheesy with just the right kick, while the potatoes bring tender heartiness and a golden finish.
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes: Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes for the best tender texture.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux base for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: The liquid base that mixes with the flour and butter to form a smooth, luscious cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1 dash cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle spicy warmth that makes the cheese flavor pop.
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, providing bold, tangy melty goodness inside the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated cheese for topping: Creates a golden, bubbly crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste called a roux. Let it cook just briefly to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Step 2: Add Milk Slowly
Gradually pour in the cold milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for a perfectly smooth sauce that will coat every single potato slice.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Season the mixture with salt and a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth that will take your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to the next level. Let the sauce cook over low heat until it thickens and begins to boil gently, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the creamy base. This step fills your sauce with intense cheesy flavor and creates that luscious, velvety texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 5: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Lightly grease a 1-quart casserole dish and arrange half of your thin potato slices evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure each slice gets coated thoroughly for maximum creaminess.
Step 6: Repeat and Add Topping
Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese across the top for a bubbling, golden crust that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The potatoes will become tender, and the cheese on top will develop a beautiful golden-brown color with bubbly edges. This final step seals all the wonderful flavors into every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a refreshing pop of color and a gentle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you love a hint of tang, a light drizzle of sour cream on the side works wonders too.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken, ham, or steak. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness complement grilled or roasted meats perfectly, making dinner feel luxuriously complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Another crowd-pleaser is to top the dish with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions just before serving, adding layers of flavor and texture that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this dish disappears fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making this recipe perfect for easy lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe but for best results, freeze before baking. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the cheese sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and provides a rich flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to create your own signature twist.
What type of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?
Starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they soften nicely in the sauce while holding their shape during baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk alternatives and vegan cheese substitutes. Be sure to check how these ingredients behave when heated to maintain a creamy, smooth sauce.
Why is it important to slice the potatoes thinly?
Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy cheese sauce thoroughly, resulting in tender, flavorful layers rather than undercooked centers.
Can this dish be prepared ahead and baked later?
Definitely. You can assemble your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake, making it a convenient dish for busy schedules or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a dish that can comfort, satisfy, and impress all at once, and this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe does just that. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out soon — whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, it’s sure to bring smiles and seconds. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar. Baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting casserole is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (cold)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Add Flour: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and blend in the flour to form a roux.
- Rest Roux: Let the roux cook and sit for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste while stirring constantly.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in all of the cold milk gradually to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Season Sauce: Season the mixture with salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to add subtle heat and flavor.
- Cook Sauce: Cook the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes smooth and begins to boil.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Once the sauce is boiling, reduce heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Lightly grease a 1-quart casserole dish. Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce over the potato layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining sliced potatoes and cheese sauce, creating a second layer.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced potatoes for even cooking and creamy texture.
- Cold milk helps prevent lumps when making the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
