Buttery, Soul-Warming Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes bring comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich, velvety cheese sauce in this classic side dish.

Crisp edges and soft, tender centers make this recipe irresistible to everyone at the meal.

Hearty and satisfying, these potatoes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that complement many main courses.

Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish without stress.

Perfectly seasoned and bubbling with golden cheese, these scalloped potatoes promise to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Who could resist diving into this delectable potato paradise?

Why Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Are a Creamy Crowd Favorite

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This recipe offers a delightful culinary experience with multiple irresistible features.
• – Indulge in Cheesy Goodness: Packed with rich cheddar and Parmesan, the dish delivers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth cheese sauce that creates ultimate satisfaction.
• – Master Simple Cooking: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• – Crowd-Pleasing Potential: A versatile side dish that works beautifully for family dinners, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
• – Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding bacon, swapping cheese varieties, or incorporating different herbs to match individual taste preferences.

What’s Inside Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of this creamy casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides rich, melty flavor and golden color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that adds a deep, nutty undertone to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that binds the potatoes together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents butter from burning.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a flavorful foundation and depth to the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note and fragrant garnish to the finished dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and prevent excessive browning during initial baking.

How to Bake Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Prep The Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle The Aromatics

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until everything turns soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create A Luxurious Cream Base

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Melt The Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan

Whisk until the sauce transforms into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 6: Layer The Potato Wonderland

Arrange sliced potatoes in the baking dish.

Pour half the cheesy sauce over them. Repeat the layering process for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Crisp And Golden Finale

Remove the foil and return to the oven for another 20 minutes.

You’re looking for tender potatoes with a golden, bubbly top.

Step 9: Rest And Garnish

Let the dish cool for a few moments.

Sprinkle fresh thyme on top and serve this creamy potato masterpiece.

Cheesy Potato Tips That Make All the Difference

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish. Use a mandoline for precise, thin cuts that cook quickly and look professionally prepared.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Gouda for unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy base. Sharp cheddar provides more intense taste while mild cheddar offers gentler notes.
• Prevent potatoes from browning before cooking by placing sliced pieces in cold water with a splash of lemon juice. Pat them completely dry before layering to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent excess moisture.
• Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or vegetable broth. Select plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, comforting flavors.

Cheesy Scalloped Potato Upgrades to Try

• Bacon Ranch Potatoes: Replace heavy cream with ranch dressing, add crispy bacon bits between potato layers for extra flavor and crunch.
• Herb Mediterranean Style: Incorporate dried oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and replace cheddar with mozzarella for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Mix in diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, sprinkle chili powder and add sliced jalapeños on top for heat.
• Vegetable Loaded Edition: Layer thinly sliced zucchini and spinach between potato layers, use gruyere cheese for a richer, nuttier profile.

What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Roasted Herb-Crusted Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy herb coating complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly, adding protein and a light contrast to the rich dish.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the scalloped potatoes, balancing the meal.
• Match with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir: A buttery Chardonnay or light-bodied Pinot Noir enhances the creamy texture and cheesy flavors, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storing Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs About Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced uniformly for even cooking.

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. Using a mandoline helps achieve consistent, thin slices for better texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the heavy cream with vegetable broth or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetarian cheese options.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, indulgent Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes promise a comforting journey through layers of tender potatoes and rich, melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this classic side dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a light butter coating.
2. Craft a fragrant base by gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a blend of olive oil and butter over medium heat until translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Transform the sauté into a luxurious sauce by introducing heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper, and allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes while stirring intermittently.
4. Enrich the sauce by incorporating shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Construct the first potato layer in the prepared dish, carefully arranging potato slices to create an even foundation.
6. Generously drench the initial potato layer with half of the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring thorough and uniform coverage.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices and sauce, creating a decadent multi-dimensional casserole.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld.
9. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling crust with crisp edges.
10. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Use starchy, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best holding shape during baking.
• Slice potatoes uniformly thin (about 1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing total fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or fontina to add depth and complexity to the classic cheddar profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg