Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. This easy side dish is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper
- ÂĽ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (shredded, for extra richness)
Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
- ÂĽ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy top)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes (optional) and slice them ÂĽ-inch thick using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces.
- Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel before layering.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and Gruyère (or Parmesan). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
- Arrange â…“ of the potato slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour â…“ of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layering process twice more (potatoes → cheese sauce).
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- (Optional) If you want a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar provides great flavor, but Gruyère, Parmesan, or even mozzarella will enhance creaminess.
- Milk & Cream: Using heavy cream makes it richer, but you can substitute half-and-half or extra milk for a lighter version.
- Crispy Top: If you love a crispy, golden top, broil the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Variations
1. Bacon & Scalloped Potatoes
- Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers for a smoky, salty bite.
2. Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the butter when making the sauce and increase the Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
3. Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
- Stir in sour cream and top with green onions and crispy bacon before serving for a “loaded baked potato” twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. To freeze:
- Bake the dish, let it cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
3. Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?
This happens if you don’t thicken the sauce enough or if you use low-starch potatoes. Use Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the perfect creamy, comforting side dish for any meal. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner or just a regular night at home, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different cheese and topping variations to make them your own! Enjoy
