Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side that’s both indulgently creamy and wonderfully cheesy, then you’ve just struck gold. I’m thrilled to share my Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with you — trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this recipe will become your go-to because it’s straightforward, makes a crowd-pleasing amount, and tastes like pure love baked into every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe plays a starring role to create layers of creamy, cheesy potato goodness. When I shop, I always pick Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture, but Russets work beautifully too. And don’t skimp on fresh cheese — it makes all the difference!

• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that deep cheesy flavor everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely nutty sharpness that rounds out the cheddar nicely.
• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold for a creamier finish, but Russets’ starchiness makes them really tender.
• Butter: Used to sauté garlic for that fragrant base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the cream with amazing flavor — don’t skip it!
• Heavy/Whipping Cream: This is the magic that makes the potatoes ultra creamy and luscious.
• Salt: Essential to bring out the flavors.
• Pepper: Just a touch to balance the richness.

Variations

I love making this recipe just as it is, but sometimes I like to switch things up depending on the season or who I’m serving. Don’t be afraid to make this yours!

• Add Fresh Herbs: My family goes crazy for a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary layered in for a woodsy twist.
• Mix Various Cheeses: Experimenting with Gruyère or mozzarella adds a different flavor profile and texture that I’ve enjoyed.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute half the cream with whole milk for a lighter version when I want to cut back on richness.
• Garlic Lovers: Feel free to double the garlic — I discovered that adding an extra clove amps up the flavor without overpowering.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Potatoes Thinly

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and pop the rack in the middle position for even baking. While it warms up, peel your potatoes and slice them as thin as you can — around 1/8 inch is ideal. I always use a mandoline slicer for consistent slices, which ensures even cooking. You’ll find that if slices vary too much, some cook faster than others and create uneven texture.

Step 2: Make That Garlicky Cream Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. As soon as it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds — this releases its aroma without turning bitter. Next, pour in your heavy cream and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir occasionally and bring it just to a boil; then immediately remove it from heat. This gentle warming infuses the cream with garlic flavor without scorching it.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch greased baking dish — butter works great for this — and lay down half of your potato slices. Don’t stress about arranging them perfectly; overlapping them slightly is fine. Pour half of your warm cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle half the cheddar and parmesan cheese on top. Repeat this layering method with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top. This helps form a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for the Finish

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and steam in the cream. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes so the top browns to that gorgeous golden cheesy finish. A toothpick should slide in easily to tell you the potatoes are tender. My oven runs a bit hot, so I’m always checking at the 55-minute mark to avoid overcooking. This flexible timing lets you tailor the dish perfectly to your oven.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Digging In

As tempting as it is to dive in right away, I highly recommend letting the scalloped potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This short rest lets the cream thicken and settle, making serving cleaner and the texture even better.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly oniony crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness. Occasionally, I toss on some crispy bacon bits for a salty surprise.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. I also love serving it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to balance the heaviness with some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual scalloped potato portions in ramekins—makes it feel fancy and personal. Another trick I’ve tried is layering thin slices of ham or caramelized onions between the potato layers for an elevated twist that wows guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever there are leftovers (and there usually are!), I transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 4 days without losing much of that creamy texture. I find that letting them come back to room temperature a bit before reheating helps them reheat more evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen scalloped potatoes a few times with success—wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered to retain moisture.

Reheating

For reheating, I preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the potatoes with foil to prevent drying out. It takes about 20-30 minutes to heat through thoroughly. You’ll get the best texture this way compared to microwaving, which can make the dish watery or unevenly warmed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe turns out every time — warm, cheesy, and creamy with perfectly tender potatoes. It’s one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone to the table, begging for seconds. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and just a bit of technique can create something so deeply satisfying. I really hope you’ll give it a go and maybe even make it your own with the variations I shared. Cooking is all about joy and sharing, after all — enjoy every cheesy bite!

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