Golden, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, these homemade scalloped potatoes recipe deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingle with rich, velvety sauce that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Sharp cheddar and subtle herbs weave magic through tender potato slices.

The golden, crispy top hints at the deliciousness waiting underneath.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this classic side dish turns any meal into a celebration.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Bake Scalloped Potatoes the Way

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a toasty temperature that will transform your potatoes into a golden dream.

• Creamy Base Preparation

Create a silky smooth sauce by whisking butter and flour together, then slowly adding milk until it becomes luxuriously thick and dreamy.

• Cheese Magic

Fold rich, sharp cheese into your sauce, letting it melt into a velvety blanket of flavor that will make taste buds dance.

• Potato Layering

Arrange potato slices in a beautiful overlapping pattern, like delicate tiles in a culinary mosaic, generously coating each layer with your luscious cheese sauce.

• Cheese Crown

Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top, creating a crispy, golden layer that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Baking Transformation

Cover the dish and let the oven work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a bubbling, irresistible masterpiece that fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma.

• Resting Period

Allow your potato cloud to settle and set for a few minutes after baking, letting the flavors mingle and intensify before serving up pure comfort on a plate.

Tips to Make Scalloped Potatoes Rich and Creamy

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, gouda, or monterey jack to transform the flavor profile and create exciting taste experiences.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cheese sauce for an aromatic boost that elevates the entire dish's complexity and depth.
• Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked chicken between potato layers to turn this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hunger.
• Replace traditional potatoes with thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower for a lighter version that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Include diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a gentle heat that complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce and adds unexpected excitement to each bite.

Serving Ideas for Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• Hearty Meat Companion: Pair this creamy scalloped potatoes with roasted chicken, juicy beef tenderloin, or honey-glazed ham for a complete and satisfying meal that will impress family and guests.
• Veggie Side Kick: Complement the rich potato dish with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the cheesy, indulgent flavors and add some nutritional variety.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this dish into a spectacular brunch centerpiece by serving alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a weekend gathering that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the potatoes from becoming dry or rubbery.

Storage Advice for Scalloped Potatoes Leftovers

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow scalloped potatoes to cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture integrity.
• Refrigeration Window: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture absorption from other ingredients.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive chilled portions by covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore original creaminess and prevent drying.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in freezer for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 248 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• Potatoes: Creamy, starchy potatoes create the hearty foundation of the dish, sliced thin for even cooking and delightful texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of cheese and butter.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Milk: Craft a velvety, tangy cheese sauce that coats potatoes with luxurious creaminess.
• Butter, All-Purpose Flour: Work together to create a smooth roux, thickening the sauce and adding depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warm kick for those craving extra excitement.

• Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh, zesty green onions on top for a burst of color and bright, oniony flavor that cuts through the richness.

Equipment for Classic Scalloped Potatoes

• Sharp Chef's Knife: Perfect for thinly slicing potatoes with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing potatoes and chopping garnishes.
• Grater: Essential for shredding sharp cheddar cheese evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering potatoes and creating a delicious casserole.
• Medium Saucepan: Crucial for making the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for smoothly blending roux and preventing lumps in sauce.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring milk, flour, and cheese.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and spreading sauce.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy scalloped potatoes deliver rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a velvety cheese sauce. Hearty comfort blooms from French-inspired culinary traditions that welcome friends around warm dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml / 32 fl oz) potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) butter
• 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) green onions, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sauce Creation: Craft a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until golden, then gradually incorporate milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat, blend in sharp cheddar cheese until silky smooth, and season with salt and optional cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
4. Layering Technique: Construct alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheese sauce, ensuring each potato slice is generously coated and slightly overlapping to create a uniform foundation.
5. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle additional grated cheese across the final layer to develop a rich, golden crust.
6. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and surface turns a beautiful golden brown.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the dish to settle for 10-15 minutes after removing from oven, which helps stabilize the layers and enhances serving ease; optionally garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh accent.

Notes

• Potato Preparation: Slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Sauce Technique: Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base that enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Precision: Cover with foil initially to steam potatoes, then uncover to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top with perfect caramelization.
• Resting Period: Let the dish sit after baking to allow layers to set and absorb remaining sauce, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful side dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 248
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg