Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Golden, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for a family dinner. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for a family dinner. | recipesbyroxanne.com

This dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère. The sauce is enriched with butter, onions, and a touch of mustard for depth, then baked until bubbling and golden on top. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a bright finishing touch. Ideal as a hearty side, it pairs well with roasted meats or stands alone for a satisfying vegetarian option. The result is tender potatoes infused with rich, smooth flavors and a delightful golden crust.

I remember the first time I made these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes; the warm aroma of melted cheese and tender potatoes filled the whole kitchen, instantly turning a chilly day into a cozy memory.

The moment I realized this dish was a keeper was when unexpected guests showed up and I pulled it from the oven to instant applause—it’s a game changer for last-minute hospitality.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are my go-tos because they hold up well and soak up the cheese sauce beautifully
  • Cheese Sauce: Combining sharp cheddar and Gruyère gives the sauce a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess you won’t want to miss
  • Topping: Extra shredded cheeses and herbs like chives or parsley add a fresh, eye-catching finish

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat the oven and grease your baking dish while the smell of melting butter and cooking onions start to fill your kitchen.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Stir flour into melted butter and onions until it smells nutty; then slowly whisk in milk and cream watching it thicken like a cozy blanket.
Layer With Love:
Arrange potato slices carefully and spoon over that gloriously cheesy sauce, hearing the quiet layering sounds while building each stratum of comfort.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Cover with foil and slide into the oven—imagine the bubbling cheese slowly turning golden brown and the kitchen filling with warmth.
Final Touches:
After baking, let it rest so everything settles, then garnish with fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
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| recipesbyroxanne.com

This dish soon became more than just food at our family table—it became the centerpiece of celebrations and comfort dinners, wrapping everyone in a warm, cheesy hug on even the toughest days.

Keeping It Fresh

If you want to keep the potatoes from drying out when reheating, cover them with foil and warm gently. A splash of milk can bring back creaminess lost in the fridge.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats for hearty dinners or alongside fresh green salads when you want a lighter balance. It’s surprisingly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when the power went out last minute at a dinner party, I used my slow cooker to warm these potatoes—it kept guests happy and the night went on with laughter and cheesy goodness.

  • Don&t forget to slice your potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking
  • If you&re craving more crispiness, broiling for the last few minutes is a great trick
  • Keep a little extra cheese shredded and ready for topping unexpected guests or last-minute needs
A close-up shot of rich, creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes, layered with melted cheese and ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of rich, creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes, layered with melted cheese and ready to serve. | recipesbyroxanne.com

Thanks for spending this kitchen moment with me; may your scalloped potatoes always come out golden and your gatherings be filled with joy.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when baked.

Yes, Swiss or mozzarella can replace Gruyère for a milder flavor without compromising creaminess.

Broiling the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking helps develop a golden, crisp cheese crust.

Adding cooked, crumbled bacon between layers imparts a smoky depth without overwhelming the dish.

Cook butter and onions until soft, create a roux with flour, then whisk in milk and cream until thickened before folding in the cheeses.

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the dish before baking. Allow extra baking time if chilled.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Tender potatoes layered with melted cheddar and Gruyère, baked until golden and bubbly, perfect as a comforting side.

Prep 20m
Cook 60m
Total 80m
Servings 6
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 3.3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1
Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2
Cook onions: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3
Form roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux.
4
Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Season and add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Fold in shredded cheddar and Gruyère until melted and smooth.
6
Layer potatoes and sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
7
Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
8
Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
9
Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and potatoes are tender when pierced.
10
Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 440
Protein 15g
Carbs 38g
Fat 26g

Allergy Information

  • Contains milk, dairy, and wheat (gluten from flour).
Roxanne Phillips

Passionate home cook sharing easy, comforting recipes and simple cooking tips for busy families.