Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a smooth, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a blend of milk and cream. Aromatics like onion and garlic enhance the flavor, while seasonings add subtle smoky and spicy notes. Baked until tender and golden brown, this Southern-style side balances richness with comfort. Garnished with fresh chives or parsley, it’s an ideal accompaniment for various meals.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:47:30 GMT
Golden-brown and bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish bursting with flavor. Save It
Golden-brown and bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish bursting with flavor. | sunnyspoonful.com

Ultra creamy, Southern-style scalloped potatoes layered with rich cheddar cheese and a velvety sauce—perfect as a comforting side for any occasion.

Golden-brown and bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish bursting with flavor. Save It
Golden-brown and bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish bursting with flavor. | sunnyspoonful.com

This dish showcases tender Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes smothered in a luscious cheese sauce, creating the ultimate side that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 2 kg (about 4.5 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Stir in flour.
Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.
Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
Stir in 2 cups cheddar, all the Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping.
Pour half the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
9. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chives or parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für extra Geschmack kann eine Schicht gebratener, zerbröselter Speck zwischen den Kartoffelschichten hinzugefügt werden. Wenn Sie Russet-Kartoffeln verwenden, die Scheiben 10 Minuten in kaltem Wasser einweichen und dann trocken tupfen, um überschüssige Stärke zu entfernen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Probieren Sie anstelle von Cheddar Gruyère oder Monterey Jack Käse für eine abgewandelte Geschmacksrichtung. Die scharfe Käsemischung in der Sauce kann je nach Geschmack angepasst werden.

Serviervorschläge

Diese herzhaften scalloped potatoes passen hervorragend als Beilage zu Fleischgerichten, gegrilltem Gemüse oder einem frischen Salat.

Rich and creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, layered with tender potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Save It
Rich and creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, layered with tender potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. | sunnyspoonful.com

With its rich cheese sauce and tender potatoes, this classic Southern side dish will soon become a favorite addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the creamy layers and comforting flavors with every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to absorb flavors, lending a creamy yet firm bite when baked.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, sharp cheddar can be swapped with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile without losing creaminess.

How should the potatoes be prepared for layering?

Potatoes should be peeled and sliced thinly to ensure even cooking and layering balance with the sauce.

What is the purpose of soaking Russet potatoes?

Soaking Russet slices in cold water removes excess starch, preventing clumping and helping layers stay distinct.

How can I achieve a golden crust on top?

Baking uncovered during the final 25–30 minutes allows the top layer of cheese to brown, creating a crisp, appetizing crust.

Is it possible to add extra flavor?

Adding cooked, crumbled bacon between layers introduces smokiness and depth, enhancing the dish’s richness.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Tender potato slices layered with rich cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
75 mins
Total Duration
95 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style Southern American

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Potatoes

01 4.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics & Seasonings

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Step 03

Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 04

Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

Step 06

Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half the potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half the cheese sauce evenly over potatoes. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Step 07

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 08

Bake Covered: Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 09

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes until top is golden and potatoes are tender.

Step 10

Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter, and gluten (flour). Not suitable for dairy- or gluten-free diets.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams