Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something incredibly comforting about potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. I’m excited to share this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and loved by everyone at my table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that won’t stress you out in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in using fresh, quality ingredients that work beautifully together—creamy potatoes paired with sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan, all smothered in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start.

• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts perfectly and gives a nice sharp flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension that balances the cheddar.
• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: I like Yukon Gold because they’re buttery and hold their shape well, but Russets work too.
• Butter: For sautéing the garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a fragrant kick without overpowering.
• Heavy cream: Essential for that silky, luscious sauce that coats every potato slice.
• Salt: To bring out the flavors, be generous but taste as you go.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked adds just the right mild heat.

Variations

I love that this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a blank canvas—you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a little extra kick or make it lighter, there are plenty of ways to tweak it.

• Herby Twist: I sometimes add fresh thyme or rosemary between the layers for an aromatic hint that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
• Vegetable Boost: Throw in some thinly sliced onions or even spinach to sneak in some greens.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegan cheeses—I tried this once and was pleasantly surprised by the result!
• Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne in the sauce gives it some warmth without overwhelming the cheesy goodness.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Like a Pro

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust your rack to the middle—that way the potatoes cook evenly. While that’s warming up, get your potatoes peeled and sliced into thin, uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick. I honestly can’t recommend a mandoline slicer enough here—using it makes the process fast and your layers beautiful and even (just make sure to wear a protective glove!). If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and some patience will do.

Step 2: Make Your Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat, then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—they’ll infuse the butter with fragrance without browning or burning. Next, pour in your heavy cream, add salt and a little pepper, and let it warm until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts bubbling, take it off the heat to prevent it from boiling over or scorching.

Step 3: Layer With Love

Grab a greased 9×13 baking dish and lay half of your potato slices in the bottom—don’t stress about perfect placement; a bit of overlap is fine. Pour half your cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of both cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with a generous blanket of cheese on top. This layering builds that creamy, cheesy richness that makes the dish sing.

Step 4: Bake and Wait Patiently

Cover your dish tightly with foil (pro tip: place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips in case of spills) and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick slides easily through the potatoes. Ovens vary wildly, so checking a bit earlier if yours tends to run hot is a smart move. When it’s done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the sauce thickens up and the flavors meld—this step is key!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these scalloped potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a gentle fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I toss on a little crispy bacon or caramelized onions if I’m feeling indulgent. These simple touches take the dish from “just potatoes” to something special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats—think juicy chicken, tender pork chops, or even a glazed ham for holiday dinners. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. It’s pretty versatile, so feel free to mix and match what you have!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I like to sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top before the final bake to add a golden, crunchy crust. You can also serve these potatoes in individual ramekins for a fancy touch or layered in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm. It really adds a “wow” factor if you’re hosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They generally stay great for up to 4 days. I’ve found the flavors actually deepen with a day or two in the fridge, which makes for a tasty lunch or side the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before with good results—just bake it fully, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through. The texture holds up well, making it a great make-ahead option.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, I reheat scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in. About 20–30 minutes usually does it, depending on your portion size. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the potatoes a bit mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has become a go-to comfort food in my kitchen—I love how it brings everyone to the table with big smiles and happy bellies. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so easy to make, which I think is the kind of recipe everyone needs in their cooking arsenal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over, too!

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