Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines comfort, creaminess, and a golden cheesy crust, then this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Picture tender, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, layered generously with sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbling perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast, or simply a craving for something special, this dish delivers soul-warming flavors with just the right amount of fuss, making it a true crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for classic, simple ingredients that each play an indispensable role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture in your scalloped potatoes. From the choice of potatoes to the cheeses and seasoning, every component enhances the dish in its own delicious way.

• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, creamy flavor and great melting quality that’s essential for that cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps create a beautiful crust on top.
• 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: The starchy Russets give a soft texture while Yukon Golds bring a buttery richness; either works wonderfully.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the cream sauce and helps sauté the garlic to release its flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the cream with a subtle pungency that lifts the whole dish.
• 2 cups heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats every potato slice.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness.
• Pepper (to taste): Adds just a hint of warmth and spice without overpowering the cheese and cream.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and adjusting the rack to the middle position so your potatoes bake evenly. While the oven heats, peel your potatoes and slice them thin—about 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer is a game-changer here because it ensures uniform slices that cook at the same rate, giving you that perfect, consistent texture.

Step 2: Grate the Cheeses

While prepping your potatoes, grate both the cheddar and parmesan cheeses freshly. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and has a much better flavor than pre-shredded store-bought varieties, making a noticeable difference in your cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and then sauté the minced garlic just for 30 seconds. This quick cooking draws out the fragrant garlic notes without burning it. Next, stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, warming everything gently until it reaches a gentle boil. This silky sauce is what makes the potatoes so decadently creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Grease a 9×13 baking dish, then arrange half of your potato slices at the bottom, slightly overlapping for complete coverage but not worrying about perfection. Pour over half of your warm cream sauce, sprinkle half the cheddar and parmesan cheeses on top, and repeat the layers. Finish with a generous layer of cheese to create that irresistible golden topping.

Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and soften in the bubbly cream. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 35 minutes, letting the top brown beautifully and the cheese bubble. To test doneness, poke a toothpick into the potatoes — it should slide in with almost no resistance.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, it’s crucial to let your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This pause helps the sauce thicken and settle, making each slice hold together and maximizing flavor with every bite.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Although this dish is delicious on its own, sprinkles of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a fresh note that complements the rich, cheesy flavors. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky warmth and a visually stunning finish.

Side Dishes

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs marvelously with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sliced ham. For a lighter, balanced meal, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad, which add crunch and brightness to this comforting dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for personal servings that look elegant for dinner parties. Or, turn leftovers into a crispy hash by pan-frying slices with a little butter for a golden crust — a delightful way to enjoy this classic in a new form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These creamy, cheesy potatoes keep well for 3 to 4 days and can make for an easy side dish or comfort food when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save time on future meals, this recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the scalloped potatoes through the baking step with the foil on, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake uncovered until heated through and bubbly again.

Reheating

To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish covered loosely with foil and warm at 350°F until hot, usually 20–30 minutes. This helps to preserve the creamy texture and keeps the cheesy top from drying out or burning, ensuring every bite tastes fresh.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While cheddar and parmesan are the classics here, feel free to experiment with gruyere, mozzarella, or even gouda for different flavors and textures. Just be mindful of how each melts and tastes.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

It’s best to peel the potatoes for this recipe to ensure a smooth, creamy texture, but if you love the rustic look and extra nutrients, leaving the skins on is fine, especially with Yukon Golds whose skins are thin and tender.

What if I don’t have a mandoline slicer?

No worries at all! You can carefully slice the potatoes with a sharp knife, aiming for uniform thickness. Consistent slices help the potatoes cook evenly, but a little variation won’t ruin this cozy dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

For dairy-free, you can use plant-based creams and cheeses, but the dish won’t be quite as rich and cheesy. For a lighter twist, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the cheese slightly, though this changes the classic texture.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Always reheat thoroughly and enjoy quickly to savor the best flavors and quality.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a timeless dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners, yet special enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, it will probably become one of your go-to comfort foods too. So grab your potatoes and cheeses and get ready for a cheesy, creamy adventure that everyone at your table will adore!

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