If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a little bit of indulgence to your dinner table, you have to try this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. There’s something truly magical about thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce and layered with not one but two kinds of cheese before baking to golden perfection. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of tender potatoes and ooey-gooey cheese that feels like a big hug for your taste buds. This recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the creamy richness of heavy cream to the sharp tang of cheddar, ensuring a wonderfully balanced dish that looks stunning and tastes even better.
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Thinly sliced to about â…›-inch thickness for perfect layering and tender bites.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a silky texture and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth that balances the richness.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme: Adds a fresh, earthy aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey melty goodness in every layer.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that crispens beautifully in the oven.
- ½ tsp paprika: Gives the top a gorgeous golden color plus a subtle smoky hint.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step prevents sticking and sets the stage for those beautiful, layered potatoes to bake evenly into a golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and quickly sauté the minced garlic—about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, not browned. Then pour in the heavy cream with salt, pepper, and thyme. Warm everything through gently; the key here is to heat but not bring it to a boil. This keeps the sauce perfectly silky and ready to soak into the potatoes.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese
Now for the fun part. Arrange half of those thin potato slices in overlapping layers at the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Repeat with the remaining potato slices, then lovingly pour the warm cream sauce over everything. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheeses and a light dash of paprika to give the dish its inviting golden glow.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for a Perfect Finish
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. This step lets the top brown and bubble up with cheesy goodness, giving you a crust that’s just the right combination of crispy and melty.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
This final pause is essential. Allow your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting time thickens the sauce, making slicing much easier and letting all those mouthwatering flavors set perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of additional fresh thyme on top before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that beautifully cuts through the rich cheese and cream. If you’re feeling a little more decadent, a light drizzle of browned butter adds a nutty, luscious touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brightest alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef, making it a natural companion for holiday feasts. For a lighter pairing, try it with steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with fresh crunch and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Alternatively, layer thin strips of prosciutto or crispy bacon between the potatoes before baking to add a smoky twist that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep deliciously for up to 3 days, making for easy, decadent reheated meals later.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for preparing in advance for busy gatherings or holiday plans.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil to keep it moist. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to refresh that golden, bubbly top layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds and Russets work best because they hold their shape and absorb the sauce well, but red potatoes or even fingerlings can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the dish will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, coconut cream or cashew cream could work, though the flavor will shift slightly.
How thin should the potato slices be?
Around â…›-inch thick is ideal. Thin enough to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors, but thick enough to hold their shape and give you that perfect tender bite.
Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer, but it does add a subtle depth to the sauce that enhances the overall flavor. You might try substituting with a small amount of onion powder or shallots for different aromatics.
What’s the best way to reheat scalloped potatoes?
Reheating in the oven is best because it maintains the crispy top and creamy layers inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture, but it works in a pinch for quick meals.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those comforting classics that instantly feels like home. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you want to indulge a bit, it never disappoints. Trust me, once you try this creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked dish, it will become your go-to side that everyone asks for again and again. So grab your potatoes, your favorite cheese, and get baking—you’re going to love every single bite!
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a luscious side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a creamy, garlicky sauce and baked to golden bubbly perfection. This classic casserole blends rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with fresh thyme and a hint of paprika, making it an irresistible comfort food ideal for holiday tables and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about â…›-inch thick)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika (for color and extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme, warming the mixture until it’s heated through but not boiling to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Layer the Potatoes and Cheese: Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly for even cooking. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the potatoes.
- Add Remaining Potatoes and Sauce: Layer the remaining potato slices evenly on top, then pour the warmed cream sauce over the entire dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top followed by a dash of paprika for color and subtle flavor enhancement.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, indicating it is fully cooked and deliciously creamy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period thickens the sauce and makes the dish easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- For thinner slices, use a mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking and layering.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version, but the texture will be less rich.
- Fresh thyme offers the best flavor but dried thyme is a good alternative.
- Allowing the dish to rest is key for the sauce to set properly.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for additional flavor variations.
