If you are craving a comforting, luscious side dish that’s loaded with creamy, melted cheese and tender potatoes, you have to try this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner. The blend of sharp cheddar with Parmesan, combined with a velvety sauce made from cream and sour cream, creates the kind of rich, satisfying flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are humble yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and just the right amount of seasoning.
- Russet potatoes: These large, starchy potatoes slice beautifully and absorb the sauce wonderfully while maintaining their shape.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for rich, melty cheesiness that binds everything together with flavor.
- Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious, silky texture that makes every bite indulgent; milk works if you prefer lighter.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall cheesy goodness.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to infuse the sauce with a sweet, savory foundation.
- Garlic: A touch of minced garlic rounds out the flavor with a fragrant kick.
- Butter: The base for the roux, it brings richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Combined with butter to create the thick, creamy sauce that hugs each potato slice.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the dish’s savory notes.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a mild warmth and gorgeous color to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that contrasts with the rich flavors.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan—this is where the magic begins as it forms the base of your sauce. Gently cook the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, bringing out a natural sweetness that complements the potatoes perfectly. Adding minced garlic for just a quick 30 seconds releases that irresistible aroma without overpowering.
Next, stir in the flour to create a roux—a thickening agent that’s key to a silky sauce. Let it cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste before slowly whisking in the heavy cream (or milk). Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer. This is the moment when you add sour cream, salt, black pepper, and the optional paprika. Let the sauce thicken gently, taking about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll be left with a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s ready to cuddle your potato slices.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Now comes the fun part—layering! Arrange half of your thinly sliced russet potatoes in a baking dish. Pour half of the luscious sauce across the potatoes, ensuring every slice is kissed by creaminess. Then sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses on top. This layering technique guarantees each bite is bursting with flavor.
Repeat layering with the remaining potato slices, sauce, and cheeses. This careful stacking allows the potatoes to cook evenly while the cheese melts into delightful pockets of gooey goodness.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes—this gentle cooking lets the potatoes soften inside their creamy envelope. When the timer goes off, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes so the top turns beautifully golden and bubbly. This final step adds that irresistible crunchy-cheesy crust that makes scalloped potatoes such a beloved dish.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. Its bright green color adds a lovely contrast and a fresh note that balances all that richness. If you want to be extra fancy, a light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant hue that makes the dish pop on the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon to balance out the creamy potatoes with some protein. For a well-rounded meal, add steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts. The creamy, cheesy potatoes make for a perfect foil to brighter or more herbal side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving individual portions by baking the scalloped potatoes in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This way, each person gets a personalized, bubbling cheesy casserole. You can also add layers of cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms between the potatoes for an elevated twist. No matter how you serve it, this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe always shines as a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scalloped potatoes can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more upon resting, making next-day bites just as delicious if not better.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier top, uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven is ideal to maintain that creamy, golden texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan create a classic cheesy combination, feel free to mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes ensures a smoother, creamier texture in each bite, but if you love a bit of rustic texture and extra nutrients, leaving the skins on is a tasty option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based milk and use dairy-free sour cream alternatives. For a lighter version, simply swap heavy cream with milk and reduce the cheese slightly.
How thinly should I slice the potatoes?
Thin slices around 1/8 inch thick work best so that they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Both are baked potato casseroles with creamy sauces, but scalloped potatoes typically do not contain cheese throughout the layers, while au gratin potatoes always have cheese baked in and usually on top. This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has that cheesy richness closer to an au gratin style.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a try because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or even a cozy dinner when you just want something hearty and delicious. Once you dive into the creamy, cheesy layers and experience those tender potato slices, it’s hard not to fall in love forever. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, and heavy cream. Layers of potatoes and cheese sauce are baked until golden and bubbly, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cheese
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling gently.
- Sauté Onion: Add finely chopped onion to the melted butter and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux; cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Cream: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (or milk), stirring continuously to make a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently, then mix in sour cream, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika; cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in a greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle half the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, spreading each layer evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk, but the sauce may be less rich and thick.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a sharper-cheese flavor, use aged cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead; bake covered longer if baking from refrigerated.
- Let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
