Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Creamy, Easy, and Perfect for Any Family Dinner

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling dish of homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes fresh from the oven. With layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden, cheesy crust, this classic side dish is a favorite for holidays, family gatherings, and cozy weeknight dinners.

Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, an Easter menu, or simply looking for an easy comfort food recipe, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to impress. They pair beautifully with everything from roasted chicken and steak to ham and grilled vegetables. Best of all, this easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy flavor

  • Perfect side dish for holidays and family dinners

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients

  • Great make-ahead recipe for meal planning

  • Crowd-pleasing comfort food everyone loves

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 small onion finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic minced

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for richer sauce

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp paprika optional

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).

Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assemble the Dish

Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish.

Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake 15–25 minutes more, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Potatoes provide important nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially when paired with a well-rounded meal that includes lean protein and vegetables.

While this recipe contains cheese and dairy, which add richness and flavor, it can still fit into a healthy eating plan when enjoyed in moderation. Serving smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, turkey, or fish helps create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Calories & Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 320–420

  • Protein: 11–15g

  • Carbohydrates: 28–35g

  • Fat: 18–25g

  • Fiber: 2–4g

  • Sugar: 3–5g

  • Calcium: High

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.