Creamy. Cheesy. Irresistible.

There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of cheesy scalloped potatoes coming straight from the oven—golden on top, creamy in the middle, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, alongside a Sunday roast, or sneaking a scoop for lunch the next day, scalloped potatoes bring that perfect touch of cozy comfort to the table.

This version is rich and cheesy with a velvety garlic-infused sauce that coats each layer of thinly sliced potatoes. It’s simple to prepare but delivers that “wow” factor every time. If you’re looking for a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with almost anything, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are exactly what you need.

🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and rich: The butter, flour, and milk base becomes a luscious sauce, thickened just right.

Cheesy goodness: Melty cheese takes this dish over the top.

Easy to customize: Add ham, herbs, or extra spices to suit your taste.

Perfect for any occasion: From holidays to potlucks or weeknight meals, this dish fits in anywhere.

🛒 Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon gold or Russet are great)

¼ cup butter

1½ teaspoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: chopped parsley, thyme, or paprika for garnish

🍳 Equipment You’ll Need

Large saucepan (for making the cheese sauce)

Mandoline slicer or sharp knife (to evenly slice the potatoes)

9×13 inch baking dish

Whisk

Cutting board and measuring cups/spoons

Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)

🔪 How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Cook until the mixture begins to thicken—about 4–6 minutes.

Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.

Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly.

Layer the remaining potatoes on top.

Pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the second layer of potatoes.

Top with an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.

Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Let Rest & Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

🕒 Total Time & Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

👩‍🍳 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Use starchy potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets hold up well and create a creamy texture.

Slice evenly: Evenly sliced potatoes ensure consistent cooking and prevent mushy or undercooked layers.

Thicker sauce? Add a touch more flour to your roux or reduce the milk slightly.

Want extra golden cheese? Broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.

Add-ins: Diced cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or sautéed onions can turn this side into a main course.

🔁 Storage & Reheating

Storing:

Cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered, for 20–30 minutes.

Freezing:

You can freeze scalloped potatoes before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen but may have a slightly softer texture when reheated.

🍴 How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This rich and creamy dish pairs well with many mains. Here are some delicious ways to round out your meal:

Roast chicken or turkey

Grilled or baked ham

Beef tenderloin or steak

Green beans, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots

Crisp garden salad for a fresh contrast

Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but simple enough for Sunday dinners or potlucks.

🔄 Variations to Try

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: Add 1–2 cups of diced cooked ham for a heartier version.

Herbed Potatoes: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.

Extra cheesy: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan.

Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds). With their tender layers, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly golden top, it’s easy to see why this recipe is such a beloved comfort food classic. Whether served at a holiday table or enjoyed any day of the week, this dish is guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies.

So go ahead—grab your potatoes, shred some cheese, and bake up a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Tried the recipe?
Tag your delicious creations with #CheesyScallopedPotatoes and let us know your favorite add-ins or sides!

Print Recipe From Here ⤵️