When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy perfection of scalloped potatoes. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something indulgent, this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is one you'll come back to over and over. With layers of tender potatoes, rich sauce, and a trio of cheeses, it’s the ultimate side dish.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this classic recipe step-by-step. Plus, we’ll answer common questions and share tips to ensure your scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
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Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, this dish fits the bill.
Unmatched Flavor: The combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates a perfect harmony of sharp, nutty, and salty notes.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what you need to create this delectable side dish:
- Unsalted butter — For a rich and creamy base.
- All-purpose flour — To thicken the sauce.
- Whole milk — Adds creaminess to the dish.
- Heavy cream — For extra indulgence.
- Garlic cloves — Provides a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves — Enhances the earthy taste.
- sea salt — Adjust to your preference
. - Freshly ground black pepper — For a hint of spice.
- Yukon gold potatoes — The star of the dish! Yukon Golds have a buttery texture and hold their shape well. Types of Potatoes and Their Best Uses
- Not all potatoes are created equal, and choosing the right type can make a significant difference in your dish. Yukon Gold potatoes, used in this recipe, are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are another popular option, particularly for baking and frying, thanks to their high starch content and fluffy interior. For salads or dishes that require potatoes to hold their shape, red potatoes or fingerlings are a great choice due to their waxy texture. Sweet potatoes, while not true potatoes, are excellent for roasting or mashing and add a natural sweetness to any meal. Selecting the appropriate potato ensures that your dish turns out as intended, whether it’s creamy scalloped potatoes or crispy fries.
- Not all potatoes are created equal, and choosing the right type can make a significant difference in your dish. Yukon Gold potatoes, used in this recipe, are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are another popular option, particularly for baking and frying, thanks to their high starch content and fluffy interior. For salads or dishes that require potatoes to hold their shape, red potatoes or fingerlings are a great choice due to their waxy texture. Sweet potatoes, while not true potatoes, are excellent for roasting or mashing and add a natural sweetness to any meal. Selecting the appropriate potato ensures that your dish turns out as intended, whether it’s creamy scalloped potatoes or crispy fries.
- Grated cheddar cheese — Adds sharpness.
- Gruyère cheese — Offers a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
- Parmesan cheese — Finishes with a salty touch.
- Bay leaf — Adds depth to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Perfectly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly, to make a thick paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and minced garlic, then add the thyme. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Note: The cream sauce is truly the heart of these cheesy scalloped potatoes. It starts with a classic roux—a blend of butter and flour cooked to a golden hue—that gives the dish its velvety texture. As you slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, the sauce transforms into a luxurious base that binds the potatoes and cheese together. The garlic and thyme infuse each bite with subtle herbaceous and aromatic notes, elevating the dish beyond ordinary comfort food. Using both milk and heavy cream strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness, ensuring the sauce is indulgent without feeling overly heavy. This creamy mixture envelops every layer of potato slices, creating a symphony of flavor that only improves as it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection.
Assemble the Dish: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the potatoes, spread it evenly, and then half of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and place the bay leaf in the middle of the pan.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Take out the bay leaf and discard. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Consistency Is Key: For even cooking, slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness of about ⅛ inch. Use a mandoline slicer for the best results.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture. Russets can be used as a substitute but may break apart more easily.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the dish to cool for 10 minutes helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Cheese Substitutions: You can replace Gruyère with mozzarella for a milder flavor or Parmesan with Pecorino for added saltiness.
- Add Layers of Flavor: Consider adding thinly sliced onions or cooked bacon between the potato layers for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin? While both dishes feature layers of sliced potatoes, the main difference lies in the cheese. Scalloped potatoes traditionally use a cream-based sauce and may or may not include cheese, whereas potatoes au gratin always have cheese layered between the potatoes and often breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. This recipe combines the best of both worlds by incorporating a rich cheese sauce and a bubbly, golden top.
Can Scalloped Potatoes Be Made Ahead of Time? Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I Freeze Scalloped Potatoes? Absolutely. Let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers? Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will maintain the dish’s texture better.
Can I Use Pre-Sliced Potatoes? While pre-sliced potatoes can save time, they might not have the same freshness and texture as slicing them yourself. If using pre-sliced, ensure they are evenly cut and of good quality.
What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Vegetarian Options: Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Roast Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing for holiday meals.
Glazed Ham: The salty-sweet flavor complements the cheesy potatoes perfectly.
Grilled Steak: For a hearty and indulgent dinner.
Other Sides You'll Love
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: So simple and so delicious; these brussels sprouts are crispy and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside! With only 5 minutes of prep time, you'll eat this easy recipe all the time.
- Honey Roasted Carrots: These roasted carrots are both simple and flavorful, making them the perfect side dish for both poultry and red meat entrees. Their vibrant color, caramelized sweetness, and tender texture make them a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.
Do You Love Potatoes? Me too...
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Printable Recipe
Perfectly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
- Rubber spatula
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for pan)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
- 1 ½ - 2 teaspoons sea salt (whatever your preference)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (sliced thin)
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly, to make a thick paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and minced garlic, then add the thyme. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the potatoes, spread it evenly, and then half of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and place the bay leaf in the middle of the pan.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Take out the bay leaf and discard. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Video
Notes
- For even cooking, slice the potatoes to a consistent thickness (around ⅛ inch). A mandoline slicer or food processor is ideal for achieving uniform slices.
- Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- The mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan provides a nice balance of sharp, nutty, and salty flavors. You could substitute Gruyère with mozzarella for a milder flavor, or Parmesan with Pecorino for added saltiness.
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