Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

When I first tried this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, I was blown away by how perfectly creamy and indulgent those tender layers of potatoes turned out. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting and classy all at once — a real crowd-pleaser whether it’s a holiday side, a Sunday dinner star, or just a way to add some cheesy magic to an ordinary meal.

What makes this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe really special is the blend of cheeses and the aromatic touch of thyme and paprika woven into the velvety sauce. You’ll find that each bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of rich cheese flavor and tender, buttery potatoes. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s guaranteed to impress without requiring fancy techniques.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe plays a specific role to build richness, flavor, and texture. Choosing the right potatoes and quality cheeses will take your dish from good to unforgettable.

• Red potatoes: I love these for their firm texture which holds up well in baking without turning mushy.
• Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor adds a lovely depth and creamy mouthfeel.
• Onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild sweetness and savory bite between the potato layers.
• Butter: For richness in the roux and to butter the casserole dish so everything bakes evenly without sticking.
• All-purpose flour: The base for thickening the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic pop without overpowering.
• Dry mustard: A secret ingredient I discovered adds a sharp background note that enhances the cheese.
• Dried thyme: Brings earthy herbaceousness that rounds out the sauce.
• Paprika: Just a pinch adds warmth and a gentle color glow.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — I always suggest tasting the sauce before layering.
• Whole milk: Provides creamy richness; don’t substitute here if you want that velvety texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar is the base flavor that everyone recognizes and loves.
• Gruyere cheese: My favorite in this recipe — it melts beautifully and adds a subtly nutty nuance.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds bright salty notes and a slightly granular texture to the cheese sauce.
• Fresh chives and parsley: Perfect garnishes that bring freshness and color to the final dish.
• Additional shredded cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to tweak the cheese blend, add some veggies, or adjust it for dietary needs, you can make it your own and still end up with a crowd-pleaser.

• Adding Bacon or Ham: I once tried adding crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor — my family went crazy for it!
• Using Low-Fat Milk: For a lighter version, skim milk works okay, but expect a slightly less creamy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replacing the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend worked well in my tests to thicken the sauce.
• Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme gives a slightly different but equally delicious aroma.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Onion

First things first — slice your potatoes super thin, about 1/8 inch thick. I swear by my mandoline slicer for this because it makes all the slices uniform, which helps them cook evenly and stack perfectly. Set these aside, then slice your onion thinly as well. Uniform slices here make for even flavor and texture through each layer.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

On medium heat, melt your butter in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until fragrant — don’t let it brown or it’ll get bitter. Then whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form the roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. This step took me a few tries to get the timing right, but once you have a velvety, smooth sauce you know you’re golden.

Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasonings

Turn off the heat and stir in your shredded cheeses — cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan — along with dry mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is melted and silky. Taste it here! Adjust your seasoning slightly if needed; this sauce should be flavorful but not salty.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Butter your casserole dish, then create a layer with half the potatoes and onions. Pour over half your cheese sauce and let it settle for a minute so the sauce starts to soak in. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce. Top with the additional cheese blend for a crispy, golden crust.

Cover the dish with sprayed aluminum foil (spray the foil to prevent sticking), set it on a baking sheet to catch drips, and bake at 400°F for about 60 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully browned. For a final flourish, I like to broil it for a couple minutes to get that extra bubbly golden crust. Keep an eye on it though, broiling can easily burn if left unattended.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives and parsley — they add a pop of color and a gentle oniony brightness that cuts through the richness. If you want a little extra flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika on top before serving adds a wonderful aroma and mild kick.

Side Dishes

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with classic roast chicken or pork tenderloin for a comforting feast. I also like to serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance the indulgence with some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried making individual portions in small ramekins, which look so elegant and help with portion control. Another fun idea is layering in a clear glass casserole so everyone can admire those beautiful potato layers before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 4 days. Reheating is best done gently to prevent the sauce from separating — a low oven or microwave with a splash of milk restores the creamy texture nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by assembling the whole thing and then covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to eat, bake from frozen covered, then uncover near the end to brown the top. The texture is remarkably close to fresh!

Reheating

I recommend reheating in a moderate oven (around 325°F) covered until warmed through, then uncover and broil for a minute or two if you want to revive the crispy topping. Adding a tablespoon or two of milk before reheating helps loosen the sauce that may thicken in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s that perfect blend of ease, comfort, and flavor that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a big family dinner or a cozy night in, I truly believe you’ll enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite as much as I do. Give it a try soon and watch how it becomes one of your go-to recipes for good reason!

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