Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as simple as it is sensational, you’re in the right place. This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for whenever I want something creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your rotation—my family goes crazy for it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together like a dream—sharp cheddar melts beautifully, parmesan adds that extra depth, and the cream gives it that luscious texture. A few simple seasonings and fresh garlic round it all out perfectly. Also, I always recommend choosing good quality potatoes—they’re the canvas for all this cheesy goodness!

• Cheddar Cheese: I love freshly grated cheddar for the best melt and flavor, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory punch and salty depth that amps up the whole dish.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and sliced thin—Russets are starchy and yield fluffier layers, Yukon Golds are creamier.
• Butter: Used to sauté the garlic, it adds richness and balances the creaminess.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that wonderful aromatic base—don’t skip it!
• Heavy/Whipping Cream: The key to creamy, tender layers without getting watery.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—season well but keep it balanced.
• Pepper: Freshly ground adds a subtle heat and brightness.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to make this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe your own by adding layers of flavor or swapping out cheeses—there’s plenty of room to experiment.

• Herb Infusion: I once added fresh thyme and rosemary to the cream mixture—your kitchen will smell amazing and it adds a lovely earthy note.
• Extra Veggies: Try layering thin slices of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for more texture.
• Cheese Swap: Sharp white cheddar or Gruyère also make fantastic alternatives, bringing a nuttier flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a vegan cheese blend to recreate a dairy-free version.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F, and position your rack in the middle. While it heats, grate your cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and peel your potatoes. I can’t stress enough how much a mandoline slicer helps here—it makes slicing potatoes super quick and gives you thin, even slices every time. Just be sure to wear a protective glove for safety—I learned that the hard way!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt your butter and add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—no browning needed! Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Let the mixture warm through, stirring occasionally, and just as it starts to boil, take it off the heat. This sauce is what makes your scalloped potatoes so silky and flavorful.

Step 3: Layer Everything in Your Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (I like using butter or cooking spray), then arrange half your sliced potatoes in a single layer on the bottom. Don’t stress about perfection—overlapping slightly is totally fine! Pour half the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle half the cheddar and half the parmesan on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, making sure to finish with a nice cheesy layer on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick easily slides into the potatoes with just a little resistance—soft but holding together. Every oven bakes a bit differently, so start checking around the 30-minute mark of the uncovered baking. Pro tip: I like placing the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any splatters—saves a messy oven cleanup later!

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the scalloped potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes to set up. This makes them easier to cut and helps the layers meld beautifully. Then, dig in and watch everyone’s faces light up—they’ll be asking for seconds, guaranteed!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives—both add a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes I throw on a tiny pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick. Totally optional, but I love the little boost.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork tenderloin, and I always suggest a crisp green salad or steamed green beans on the side to balance out the creamy richness. It’s a great way to build a well-rounded meal!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy touch, or sprinkled extra cheese with breadcrumbs on top before baking for a golden, crispy crust. It’s also fun to serve it family-style on a big platter with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When I first started making this, I noticed it loses a bit of its creaminess, so be sure to reheat gently (more on that next) to keep it luscious.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! I let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up covered in the oven to prevent dryness — it almost tastes like fresh when done right.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat scalloped potatoes is in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the cream sauce silky without drying things out like a microwave sometimes can. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave zap with a damp paper towel on top works too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe turns out every time—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. When I first tried making scalloped potatoes from scratch, I struggled with uneven cooking and bland flavor, but this recipe solved all that and quickly became my go-to. I know you’ll enjoy the creamy layers and rich cheese blend as much as my family does, and once you taste it, you’ll be hooked too. So grab those potatoes and get ready to make something deliciously unforgettable!

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