Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Your Family Table

Creamy layers of tender potatoes and rich, melted scalloped potatoes recipe shine as the ultimate comfort food for any gathering.

Cheese bubbles between perfectly sliced potato rounds, creating a decadent side dish that feels like a warm hug.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe with simple ingredients and love.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy edges and smooth, velvety centers.

The golden-brown top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Crisp bacon or fresh herbs can elevate this dish from good to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible potato masterpiece.

FAQs

• Are the potatoes sliced thick or thin?

The potatoes should be sliced thinly and evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices help the potatoes cook consistently and create a better texture in the final dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure they melt smoothly and complement the potato flavor.

• What's the purpose of creating a roux in the cheese sauce?

The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the sauce and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cheese. It prevents the sauce from becoming lumpy and ensures a consistent, velvety texture.

• Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Covering the dish with foil helps trap steam and ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become tender. The foil prevents the top from burning while allowing the potatoes to cook thoroughly.

Why These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Hit the Spot

• Discover a delightful twist on classic potato dishes with this cheesy, creamy masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, the recipe offers step-by-step instructions that guarantee a delicious outcome, even for beginners who want to impress their family and friends.
• An ideal side dish that complements various main courses, from roasted meats to holiday dinners, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings and special occasions.
• Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like bacon bits, herbs, or different cheese varieties, allowing you to put your personal spin on this classic comfort food.

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy, thinly sliced potatoes form the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the potato casserole.
• Onions: Sweet onions add depth and a subtle aromatic quality to the layered potato dish.

• Butter: Unsalted butter creates a smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken and stabilize the sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and helps create a silky cheese sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Cooking Spray, Aluminum Foil: Non-stick spray prevents sticking, while foil helps trap moisture during baking.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a final seasoning touch.

How to Layer and Bake Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick magic to keep those potatoes from clinging.

Step 2: Create Potato and Onion Masterpiece

• Potato slices
• Onion rings

Alternate these tasty treasures, beginning with potatoes and ending with a beautiful landscape of ingredients.

Step 3: Whip Up Cheese Sauce Perfection

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Flour
• Salt

Stir constantly to create a smooth base.

Cook for one minute to eliminate any raw flour flavor.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy wonderland.

Drop in shredded cheddar and stir until it becomes a silky sauce that’ll make mouths water.

Step 4: Shower Potatoes with Cheesy Goodness

Gently cascade the cheese sauce over your potato and onion layers.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to lock in all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Potato Paradise

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 85-90 minutes.

Test potato tenderness by sliding a fork through – it should glide like butter.

Step 6: Create Golden Crispy Top

Want extra pizzazz?

Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil.

Watch carefully and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Season and Serve with Love

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the sauce can settle into pure deliciousness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Perfectly Cheesy Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform thin slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water before layering to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, parmesan, or sharp cheddar to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Whisk the cheese sauce continuously and add milk gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – the flavors will develop and intensify while resting.

How to Store and Reheat Scalloped Potatoes

• Transfer cooled scalloped potatoes to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled dish securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore sauce creaminess if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

What to Serve with Cheesy Potatoes

• Pair Savory Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône that complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce and cuts through the potatoes' heaviness.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Create a tangy side salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh herbs to balance the dish's richness and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Serve Roasted Herb Chicken: Prepare a simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme to create a classic, hearty meal that harmonizes perfectly with the cheesy scalloped potatoes.
• Complement with Charcuterie: Add a small platter of cured meats like prosciutto or salami to introduce a salty, savory element that enhances the overall dining experience.

Ways to Twist the Scalloped Potato Classic

• Vegan Potato Gratin: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, using plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
• Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and garlic to the cheese sauce for an aromatic and flavorful variation that elevates the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Potato Casserole: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring the recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, indulgent Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes invite comfort and warmth to your dinner table. Layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and delicate herbs promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings

Dairy and Fat Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F (200°C) and coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Create alternating layers of potato slices and onion rings in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution from bottom to top.
3. Craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Introduce flour and salt, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour flavor.
4. Gradually incorporate room-temperature milk into the roux, whisking consistently until the mixture thickens (approximately 5 minutes). Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and silky.
5. Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and promote uniform cooking.
6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 85-90 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
7. For an optional crispy finish, remove foil after baking and activate the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
8. After removing from the oven, season with additional salt and pepper. Allow the dish to rest briefly, enabling the sauce to further solidify before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, tender results.
• Allow cheese sauce to cool slightly before pouring over potatoes to prevent separation and maintain smooth consistency.
• Prevent burned edges by covering dish with foil during initial baking and removing only for final browning.
• Reduce baking time by thinly slicing potatoes and using a mandoline for consistent thickness.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to cheese sauce for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
• Make dish vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg