Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese

Introduction

Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese is a timeless comfort food classic that brings warmth, richness, and heartiness to the table. Made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a velvety cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbling, this dish is the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special.

Whether served as a cozy side for Sunday dinner, a show-stopping addition to a holiday spread, or even as a standalone comfort dish, scalloped potatoes never fail to impress. The sharpness of cheddar cheese paired with tender potatoes creates a flavor combination that’s satisfying in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy layers of tender potatoes, combined with the sharp, gooey cheddar, make every bite deeply comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of richness and simplicity, turning basic ingredients into something that feels truly indulgent.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility. Whether it’s served alongside roasted chicken, a holiday ham, or even as a vegetarian centerpiece, it always fits right in. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that brings people to the table—it’s nostalgic, homestyle cooking at its best.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a true comfort food classic that everyone should have in their recipe collection. It transforms potatoes—a pantry staple—into a creamy, golden, and irresistible casserole that can elevate any meal. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and bubbling cheddar topping make it impossible to resist.

It’s also practical: easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just craving something cozy, this scalloped potatoes recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s one of those timeless side dishes that never goes out of style and always earns rave reviews.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: American / European
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
3. Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, garlic, onion (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
4. Layer Potatoes: Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbling.
7. Garnish & Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
2. Make a creamy cheese sauce using roux, milk, cream, and cheddar.
3. Layer half of the potatoes in the dish.
4. Pour half of the cheese sauce over potatoes.
5. Add second layer of potatoes.
6. Pour remaining sauce and top with extra cheddar.
7. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden brown.
8. Rest and garnish before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or ham.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main dish with steamed vegetables on the side.

Additional Recipe Tips and Variations

Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potatoes.

• Variation: Add cooked bacon, ham, or caramelized onions between layers for extra flavor.
• Tip: Mix cheeses—Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan blend well with cheddar.
• Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
• Tip: Let casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add cheese, then bake fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese is the ultimate comfort food side dish—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.