Name: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage; ½ tablespoon minced fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley; Toasted pepitas; Crusty bread

I’m so excited to share this creamy, comforting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with you today! If you’ve ever wanted that perfect balance of tender potatoes and melty cheese baked into a golden, bubbly dish, this recipe is exactly what you’ll want in your kitchen rotation. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become an automatic go-to for family dinners or special occasions.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The cheese and creamy sauce blend perfectly to coat every slice of potato just right.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s that nostalgic dish that reminds you of home but with a fresh homemade touch.
Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses or add herbs to make it uniquely yours.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready, making your mealtime stress-free.

A creamy orange soup with small green herb pieces is being poured from a large copper ladle into a small white bowl held by a woman's hand. The soup pot is white with a black inside and sits on a white marbled surface. A blue and white checkered cloth is next to the pot, and some green leaves, a small wooden bowl with salt, a clear small bottle with yellow liquid, and a wooden pepper grinder are placed around. The person wearing a gray knitted sweater is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that luscious, cheesy sauce you’re craving while keeping the potatoes tender and flavorful. I always recommend fresh cheese and good quality butter because they truly lift the dish into something special.

Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold or Russets because they hold their shape well but get tender when baked.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works wonderfully for a rich, tangy flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or gruyère.
Milk and heavy cream: Using both gives you that perfect creamy consistency without being too heavy.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce—don’t skimp on it!
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce so it clings beautifully to the potatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle depth to the creamy layers.
Onion: I use finely chopped onion sautéed gently to bring a sweet base flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to warm up the flavors subtly.

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

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it based on what’s in the fridge or the season, and my family never complains!

Herb-Infused: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking adds an aromatic twist that elevates the dish.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in thinly sliced leeks or caramelized onions for extra depth and sweetness.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and substitutes like coconut milk—I’ve tried it for friends with allergies and it works surprisingly well.
Spicy Kick: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne gives the casserole a nice background heat.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Just Right

Start by peeling your potatoes and slicing them evenly—about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. I discovered this trick when I used my mandoline slicer to get uniform slices, which really helps everything cook evenly and look beautiful when served. Uneven slices can mean some parts are undercooked while others are mushy, so take your time here.

Step 2: Make That Creamy Cheese Sauce

Sauté your onions and garlic gently in butter until soft, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly add warm milk and cream, stirring constantly — this prevents lumps and gives you a silky base. When the sauce thickens, stir in your shredded cheese a handful at a time off the heat; cheese melts best without scorching. I learned this the hard way—adding cheese directly to boiling milk can make it grainy.

Step 3: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Grease your baking dish well, then layer half your potatoes, pour over half the cheese sauce, and repeat. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes so the top gets that gorgeous golden crust. I love this moment because it smells like pure comfort. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Uniform Slices: Using a mandoline slicer ensures potatoes cook evenly and look professional.
Warm Dairy: Warm your milk and cream before adding to the roux to avoid a lumpy sauce.
Cheese Timing: Add cheese after removing sauce from heat to keep it silky, not grainy.
Cover While Baking: Keep the dish covered for most of the baking time to trap steam and cook potatoes evenly.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

A large white cooking pot filled with smooth, orange-yellow soup topped with small green herb pieces, placed on a white marbled surface. To the top right, a white bowl holds a similar orange soup with green herb garnish and a spoon resting inside. Around the pot and bowl are a white and blue checkered cloth, a silver spoon, a small bottle with yellow liquid, a wooden pepper grinder, and green leaves, all arranged on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or shredded extra cheese for those who want an extra cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

This goes wonderfully alongside roasted chicken or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. For holiday dinners, my family loves pairing it with glazed ham and steamed green beans—such a classic combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets. It looks charming, and everyone gets their own perfectly cheesy portion. You can also top with a swirl of garlic butter or a few toasted breadcrumbs for texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool completely, then store them covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently helps maintain that creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you bake it first, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap and popping into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

I usually cover leftovers with foil and bake them at 325°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Sometimes a splash of milk or cream stirred in before heating revives the creaminess beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy days or holiday meals.
What type of cheese works best for scalloped potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully and adds rich flavor, but you can mix in gruyère for nuttiness or mozzarella for extra gooeyness depending on your taste.
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from getting too watery?

Make sure to use a thickened cheese sauce (roux-based) and slice potatoes evenly. Don’t add too much liquid, and bake covered to keep moisture balanced. Also, letting the dish rest before serving helps it set nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has become one of those dishes I always crave when cooler weather rolls around. There’s something so cozy and reassuring about layers of tender potatoes wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness — it honestly feels like a warm hug on a plate. I know you’ll enjoy making it, especially as you start to customize and find your perfect variation. Give it a try for your next family meal, and I promise it’ll bring smiles all around!