Cheesy

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Name: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 cups grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil

By Carol Bennett · June 18, 2026 · Cheesy

Prep30 min

Cook45 min

Total75 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, comforting casserole that brings everyone together. For me, it's the smell of cheesy scalloped potatoes wafting from the oven that instantly makes me feel at home. This recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a holiday gathering.

I remember my grandmother making a similar dish when I was a child, and it was always a hit. She'd spend hours in the kitchen, carefully slicing the potatoes and layering them with cheese and cream. While her recipe was delicious, it was a bit too rich for my taste. So, I set out to create a version that was just as flavorful but lighter and easier to make.

After some trial and error, I landed on this recipe, which I'm thrilled to share with you. It's a masterclass in texture and flavor, with tender potatoes, a creamy sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's a one-dish wonder that's easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is absolute perfection. And, let's not forget the golden, crunchy topping that adds a satisfying texture to each bite.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a seasoned cook seeking a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends as you present this golden, cheesy masterpiece at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
It's a one-dish wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is absolute perfection.
The golden, crunchy topping adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that's sure to become a favorite.
You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is in the layering. By alternating between tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, you create a dish that's both flavorful and textured. The potatoes absorb the sauce and cheese perfectly, resulting in a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. I recommend using fresh, flavorful potatoes, real cheese, and whole milk for the best results. Don't skimp on the quality of your ingredients, as it will affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

The cooking time and temperature are also crucial in this recipe. By baking the potatoes at a moderate temperature, you ensure that they cook evenly and don't become too brown or crispy. The result is a dish that's tender, creamy, and utterly delicious.

Finally, the resting time is essential to allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the sauce and cheese. Don't skip this step, as it will make a big difference in the overall quality of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including potatoes, cheese, cream, and spices. I recommend using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh potatoes, real cheese, and whole milk, for the best results. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as flour, butter, and salt.

When shopping for ingredients, look for potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as they'll yield a creamier dish. For the cheese, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a rich, tangy flavor.

3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly slicedLook for potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, for a creamier dish. Thinly slice the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
2 cups grated cheddar cheeseI recommend using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a rich, tangy flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, for a different flavor profile.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Asiago or Romano, for a similar flavor.
1/2 cup all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture. Make sure to use all-purpose flour, as it will yield the best results.
2 tbsp butterButter is used to add flavor and richness to the dish. You can also use other types of fat, such as oil or cream, for a different flavor profile.
1 cup whole milkWhole milk is used to create a creamy sauce. You can also use other types of milk, such as 2% or skim, for a lower-fat version.
1/2 cup heavy creamHeavy cream is used to add richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can also use other types of cream, such as half-and-half or sour cream, for a similar flavor.
1 tsp saltSalt is used to enhance the flavor of the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best results.
1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper is used to add depth and complexity to the dish. Make sure to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add flavor and aroma to the dish. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best results.
1 cup panko breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs are used to create a crunchy topping. You can also use other types of breadcrumbs, such as regular or gluten-free, for a similar texture.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to add flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as coconut or avocado, for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking dishMandoline or sharp knifeCutting boardCheese graterMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and cold water to cover. Let it sit for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3
Drain the potatoes and dry them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, butter, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic until smooth.
5
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, create a layer of potatoes. You can overlap them slightly, but make sure to leave some space between each slice.
6
Pour some of the cream sauce over the potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly.
7
Sprinkle some of the grated cheese over the sauce.
8
Repeat the layering process, starting with the potatoes, then the cream sauce, and finally the cheese, until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
9
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
10
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top layer of cheese.
11
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
13
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, make sure to slice them thinly and uniformly.
If using a mandoline, be careful not to slice your fingers.
To prevent the potatoes from turning gray, add a splash of lemon juice to the water when soaking them.
Don't overmix the cream sauce, as it can become too thick and sticky.
If you want a crisper top, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after removing the foil.
Let the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the sauce and cheese.
You can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not soaking the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, resulting in a sticky or gluey texture.
Overmixing the cream sauce, making it too thick and sticky.
Not layering the ingredients evenly, resulting in a dish that's unevenly cooked or flavored.
Not letting the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, resulting in a dish that's not fully set or flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the cream sauce for added flavor and protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the cream sauce for added flavor and color.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for a gluten-free version.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the cream sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
Use coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Add some cooked sausage or chicken to the cream sauce for added protein and flavor.

What to Serve With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is perfect as a side dish or main course. You can serve it with a variety of options, such as roasted meats, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. Some other ideas include:

Roasted chicken or turkey

Grilled steak or pork chops

Steamed broccoli or green beans

Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing

Roasted chicken or turkeyGrilled steak or pork chopsSteamed broccoli or green beansRoasted Brussels sprouts or asparagusA simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

When reheating, make sure to check the dish regularly to avoid overcooking or drying out the potatoes. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the dish if it becomes too thick or sticky.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time. The potatoes will absorb the sauce and cheese, and the dish will become even more flavorful and creamy after refrigeration or freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different flavor and texture. Russet or Idaho potatoes are recommended for the best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers. You can also use gluten-free flour to thicken the cream sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to the cream sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the cream sauce, such as diced ham or bacon, chopped herbs, or grated cheese. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How do I prevent the potatoes from turning gray?

To prevent the potatoes from turning gray, add a splash of lemon juice to the water when soaking them. You can also use a pinch of salt or vinegar to help preserve the color.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to reheat it properly before serving.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Can I use coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and flavorings as needed.

Can I add cooked sausage or chicken to the cream sauce?

Yes, you can add cooked sausage or chicken to the cream sauce for added protein and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and flavorings as needed.

The Full Recipe

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