Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Seasonal Favorites

This Southern-style dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered and baked in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce. Combining sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a blend of spices, the casserole offers a rich, comforting texture. Preparation involves creating a velvety sauce from butter, flour, milk, and cream, poured over potatoes and onions, then baked until golden and bubbling. A perfect side for gatherings, garnished with herbs for freshness.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:56:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes fresh from the oven, offering a taste of Southern comfort. Save
Golden, bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes fresh from the oven, offering a taste of Southern comfort. | tazzsip.com

A rich, decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.

This dish has been a holiday staple in my family for years, always bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Milk: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), shredded
  • Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (90 g), shredded
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (56 g)
  • All-purpose flour: 3 tbsp (24 g)
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp plus more to taste
  • Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Smoked paprika: ¼ tsp
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley: for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Step 2:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
Step 3:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4:
Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Step 5:
Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Step 6:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
Step 7:
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
Step 8:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 9:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 10:
Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 11:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
This creamy, cheesy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes dish shows layers of tender potatoes in a rich sauce. Save
This creamy, cheesy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes dish shows layers of tender potatoes in a rich sauce. | tazzsip.com

Sharing this meal with my family during holidays creates such warm and joyful memories.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, saucepan, whisk, chefs knife, mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices), aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour). Always check cheese labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 per serving. Total fat: 22 g. Carbohydrates: 27 g. Protein: 10 g.

Close-up of a bubbling casserole of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, perfect for a cozy, family dinner. Save
Close-up of a bubbling casserole of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, perfect for a cozy, family dinner. | tazzsip.com

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe always impresses guests and comforts loved ones, making every meal special.

Recipe Guide

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for layering due to their texture and tenderness when baked.

Can I substitute cheeses?

Gruyère can be swapped with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor while maintaining creaminess.

How do I ensure a creamy sauce?

Whisking flour into melted butter before slowly adding milk and cream helps create a smooth, thickened cheese sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the sauce thick without gluten.

What herbs work well as garnish?

Chopped fresh chives or parsley add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich cheese sauce.

Can extra flavor be added?

Adding a pinch of cayenne or layering cooked bacon between potatoes offers a smoky, spicy kick.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Tender potatoes layered in creamy, cheesy sauce for a rich, Southern-inspired side dish.

Setup duration
20 min
Heat duration
75 min
Complete duration
95 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Seasonal Favorites

Complexity Medium

Heritage Southern American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 2.5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

01 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
04 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika

Method

Phase 01

Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Phase 02

Make the cheese sauce roux: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.

Phase 03

Incorporate dairy liquids and thicken: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Phase 04

Season the sauce: Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Phase 05

Add cheese to sauce: Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Phase 06

Assemble the layers: Place half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish. Top with half the onions.

Phase 07

Apply cheese sauce and repeat layers: Pour half of the cheese sauce over potatoes and onions. Repeat layering remaining potatoes and onions, then cover with remaining sauce.

Phase 08

Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère evenly over the top.

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Bake uncovered until golden: Remove foil and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbling.

Phase 11

Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped chives or parsley and serving.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • For gluten-free preparation, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 10 g