Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, I’ve got just the thing for you — my Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish turns out every single time: tender, perfectly layered potatoes swimming in a luscious cheese sauce that your family will go crazy for. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I promise this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything to make it foolproof and *so* tasty.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that blend beautifully together — creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and salty, balanced by tender potatoes. I always recommend using Yukon Gold for a buttery texture or Russets if you want fluffier layers. Freshly grate your cheeses for the best melt and flavor.

• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar adds tang and that classic cheesy punch.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that makes the sauce extra special.
• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape well and have a creamy texture; Russets give a fluffier finish.
• Butter: Used to sauté garlic and add richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the cream with savory goodness.
• Heavy cream: Creates that unbelievably creamy base for the potatoes to soak in.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle spice to wake up your palate.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by tweaking it based on what I have or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe — it’s a forgiving canvas!

• Herb Infusion: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream gives a lovely herbal note; I tried thyme recently and it was dreamy.
• Different Cheeses: Swap in Gruyère or mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture — it changes the whole vibe.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter dish without losing creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the cheese.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the middle. While that’s warming up, peel your potatoes and slice them evenly — I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer set to about 1/8 inch. Trust me, it saves so much time and ensures your potatoes cook evenly. Don’t forget a protective glove; I learned the hard way that mandolines can be tricky!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then toss in the minced garlic and cook it just about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown! Add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally as it warms. Once it reaches a gentle boil, take it off the heat to keep it silky smooth. This sauce is the magic that blankets those potatoes with creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Layer Your Potatoes and Cheese

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of your sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom (no need to be perfect). Pour half the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of each cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top. The layers soak up the sauce and cheese, creating that dreamy scalloped texture we’re after.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for Finish

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick slides easily into the potatoes. Keep an eye on them because ovens vary — if yours runs hot, check earlier to avoid drying out the top. The uncovered bake lets the cheese brown beautifully and adds slight crispness to the edges.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the scalloped potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes. This rest time helps the sauce thicken a bit and makes serving much easier — I’ve learned it can be pretty runny if you dig in too soon!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. For a tiny twist, a sprinkle of paprika gives an appealing color contrast and subtle smoky note.

Side Dishes

These scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad for contrast. On holidays, I serve this alongside ham or turkey — it complements those savory mains like a dream!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I’ve baked this recipe in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation at dinner parties. It’s surprisingly easy and makes the whole meal feel extra special. Another fun idea is to top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes for a crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat, I find reheating works best in the oven to keep that cheesy top from getting rubbery.

Freezing

Freezing scalloped potatoes is a bit tricky because of the cream, but I’ve had good success freezing a full baked dish wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. Just expect the texture to be slightly softer after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the scalloped potatoes loosely with foil to prevent drying out and warm them in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through, usually around 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature cheesy melt and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it never disappoints. It’s approachable, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. I love the way it brings everyone to the table with smiles and requests for seconds. If you’re looking for a comfort food side that’s easy to pull together but feels special, you *have* to try this. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

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