If you’re searching for that perfect, comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with just about any meal, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender potatoes and onions that soak up all that rich, milky sauce. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite and a go-to for holiday dinners and Sunday suppers alike. Keep reading because I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your scalloped potatoes come out picture-perfect and totally delicious.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug.
Simple Ingredients: Only common pantry staples are needed, making it easy for you to pull together.
Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make this, my family goes crazy for it, especially during holidays.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak it to add your favorite cheeses or seasonings.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with creamy potato gratin. The dish has multiple layers showing thin potato slices covered in a rich, creamy sauce with a golden brown melted cheese crust on top. The cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, with some finely grated cheese sprinkled over the surface. A spoon is lifting a portion of the gratin, revealing soft, tender potato slices beneath the cheesy layer. The dish rests on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potatoes side dish, creamy potato casserole, cheesy potato recipe, holiday potato side dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy sauce that hugs each potato slice, while the shredded cheddar cheese delivers that irresistible cheesy finish. A few tips: choose starchy potatoes like russets for the best texture, and freshly grate your cheese for superior melting.

Flat lay of fresh russet potatoes whole and unpeeled, a small whole yellow onion, a few pats of natural unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of fine white flour, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, and a small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potatoes side dish, creamy potato casserole, cheesy potato recipe, holiday potato side dish

Russet Potatoes: I love russets for their starchy texture which helps the slices soak up the sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
Onion: Thinly sliced and cooked in the sauce, this adds a subtle sweetness that balances the cheesy richness.
Butter: Key for making the roux that thickens the sauce; I always use unsalted to control salt levels.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but be sure to taste as you go.
Pepper: Just a pinch adds a bit of gentle heat and complexity.
Flour: This thickens the cream sauce so it clings beautifully to the potatoes.
Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can swap for 2% if you prefer lighter.
Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar creates that signature tangy, melty top layer everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkling some on top before serving adds a nice nutty depth and makes it extra special.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe my own, especially when I have a little extra time or want to switch things up for different occasions. Feel free to experiment—this dish welcomes creativity.

Cheese Swap: I’ve tried mixing in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a milder, nuttier flavor—both were delightful variations.
Herbs and Spices: Adding fresh thyme or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds an unexpected depth I adore.
Vegetable Add-ins: For an extra veggie boost, I sometimes layer in thinly sliced mushrooms or sautéed spinach with the potatoes.
Make it Dairy-Free: I experimented with plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and while it’s different, it’s still comforting and tasty!

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish well with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and encourage browning. Then, peel your russet potatoes and slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8-inch thickness so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce. Thinly slice a small onion as well; it will add a lovely sweet contrast.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

Melt 1/4 cup of butter over low heat in a small pot. Once melted, whisk in the salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Here’s the trick: Don’t rush this part. Stir the flour and butter mixture thoroughly to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, slowly add 2 ½ cups of milk, about half a cup at a time, stirring constantly so the sauce stays smooth. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes so it thickens just right. Finally, stir in your sliced onions to soften them in the warm sauce.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Now comes the fun part! Arrange a single layer of potato slices in the bottom of your baking dish, overlapping slightly like shingles on a roof. Spoon about a third of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat this layering twice more—potatoes, then sauce—until everything is used up. This layering technique ensures each bite is perfectly creamy and cheesy throughout.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Top your layered potatoes with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese—don’t be shy here! The cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown during baking. Cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes to let those potatoes cook through and get tender. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese browns beautifully on top. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly about halfway through.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Perfect Potato Thickness: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one—consistent, thin slices cook more evenly.
Low and Slow: Keep heat low when making the roux to prevent lumps and burnt flour flavor.
Cheese Freshness Matters: Always shred your cheese fresh; pre-shredded often contains additives that affect melting.
Avoid Watery Potatoes: Pat sliced potatoes dry with paper towels to prevent watery sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

The dish shows a white baking dish filled with a layered potato casserole. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with some browned spots, covering thin potato slices underneath that are off-white and smooth. The potatoes and cheese blend with a creamy sauce that bubbles up around edges and parts of the cheese. The surface beneath the baking dish is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potatoes side dish, creamy potato casserole, cheesy potato recipe, holiday potato side dish

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley right before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle nutty flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a few chopped chives for a mild oniony crunch that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside classic mains like roast chicken, baked ham, or pot roast. My family especially loves pairing it with green beans sautéed in garlic or a crisp garden salad for some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve scooped the scalloped potatoes into individual ramekins and sprinkled a bit of extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top for personal golden crusts. It makes the experience feel extra fancy and fun for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes tend to soak up the sauce overnight, so I find the flavor actually deepens!

Freezing

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—a great time saver for busy weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the potatoes creamy without drying out the cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or even fontina for different flavors and textures. Just be mindful of the cheese melting qualities to keep the dish gooey and smooth.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick. Thin slices cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce better, giving you tender, melt-in-your-mouth layers without feeling heavy or mushy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Great question! Traditionally, scalloped potatoes don’t include cheese inside the sauce, whereas au gratin potatoes have cheese mixed throughout and usually a cheesy crust on top. This recipe is cheesy and creamy, so it’s sort of a happy couple’s blend of both traditions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply soothing about a warm dish full of cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes—it’s like a little celebration in every bite. I’ve shared this recipe with friends and family countless times, and they always ask for the recipe afterward. It’s reliable, comforting, and surprisingly simple to whip up. I really hope you give this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a try soon and enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that makes any meal feel extra special.