If you have been craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely must try this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a luscious layering of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a velvety cream sauce and topped with two cheeses that melt into gooey perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a holiday meal, this recipe blends simplicity and rich flavor in the most satisfying way. Trust me, once you taste these tender, cheesy potatoes, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a starring role—from the creamy heavy cream creating that smooth sauce, to the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses offering both richness and a hint of tang.
- Cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and meltiness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty contrast that deepens the cheesy profile.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Choose firm potatoes for thin, tender slices that hold their shape.
- Butter: Gives a lovely richness to the sauce base and enhances garlic’s flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a subtle, aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture that binds the layers together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the rich ingredients.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice to round out the flavors.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking. This simple first step sets the stage for perfectly tender potatoes and melts the cheese just right.
Step 2: Grate and Slice
While the oven warms up, grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses freshly for optimal melt and flavor. Peel your potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin 1/8-inch slices. These thin slices ensure the potatoes cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce well, giving you that signature scalloped texture.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and toss in the minced garlic. Cook just until the garlic releases its fragrance, about 30 seconds, so it adds subtle depth without bitterness. Stir in your heavy cream, salt, and pepper, warming the sauce until it just reaches a boil — then remove it from heat to preserve its silky creaminess.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange half of your potato slices on the bottom. Don’t worry about perfect placement; overlapping slightly is ideal. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the cheeses on top. Repeat this layering process to build the dish, making sure the very top layer is a generous covering of cheese to create that golden crust everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften in the creamy sauce. Then remove the foil and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes to brown the cheese and thicken the sauce. The potatoes should be tender enough that a toothpick slides in easily, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on yours as it cooks.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time helps the sauce settle a bit, making it easier to cut neat servings and giving you that perfectly creamy yet firm texture everyone adores.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a vibrant pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the richness. A light dusting of paprika can also add a subtle warmth and beautiful color.
Side Dishes
These scalloped potatoes shine alongside roast chicken, glazed ham, or a juicy steak. For vegetable sides, think roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad to balance the indulgence with some fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for elegant single portions at your next dinner party. Alternatively, layer the components in a deep-dish pie plate for a fun twist on the classic presentation that’s easy to slice and serve family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, store any leftover Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead choice for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze scalloped potatoes either before or after baking. If freezing before, cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Frozen scalloped potatoes last well for up to 2 months and are perfect for having a comforting meal ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave portions on medium power in short intervals, checking to avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and parmesan provide classic flavor, you can swap or add cheeses like Gruyere for a nuttier profile or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just make sure to use good melting cheeses for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to cut calories, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or choose lower-fat varieties, but the creamy indulgence is part of what makes this dish special.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the entire dish then refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish goes in cold from the fridge.
What is the best type of potato to use?
Russet potatoes are great for their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce, while Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well. Either will work beautifully for this recipe.
How can I tell when the scalloped potatoes are done?
Use a toothpick or thin knife to check tenderness. It should slide into the potatoes with little resistance. The top should be bubbly and golden brown when fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves rich, cozy comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make. The creamy layers, rich cheeses, and tender potatoes combine in a way that’s utterly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen – it’s the kind of dish that brings smiles and satisfies every time.
Print
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a creamy garlic-infused sauce layered with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this classic comfort food is rich, indulgent, and perfect as a hearty side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Potatoes and Aromatics
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8″ or 3 mm)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses fresh. Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin 1/8 inch (3 mm) slices for uniform cooking and texture.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add salt and pepper, and warm the mixture, stirring occasionally. Bring it just to a boil then remove from heat to avoid curdling.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom (overlapping is fine). Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of each cheese (cheddar and parmesan) on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through gently while retaining moisture.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a toothpick and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely as oven temperatures can vary.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the scalloped potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken and the dish to set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife for uniformly thin potato slices for even cooking.
- Russet potatoes provide a fluffy texture while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor—either works well in this recipe.
- Adjust the cream and cheese quantities slightly if you prefer it saucier or cheesier.
- Covering the dish during the first bake prevents the top from burning before the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Letting the dish rest before serving improves slicing and flavor development.
