Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Introduction

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, bringing creamy richness and melty cheese to your dinner table. This classic side dish features tender layers of sliced potatoes smothered in a savory, cheese-laden sauce that bubbles up golden brown in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or want to upgrade your weeknight meals, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with family and guests alike.

What Makes Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Irresistible?

The appeal of this recipe lies in its combination of melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, hearty cheese, and just the right touch of garlic and seasoning. Each bite offers a harmony of flavors—the subtle earthiness of potatoes paired with the creamy tang of cheddar and a hint of herbaceousness from the seasonings. Its simple preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and eye-catching presentation make it a staple at any dinner table.

The Secret to a Creamy Cheese Sauce

Building a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce starts with a basic roux: butter and flour cooked together to form a base. Layer in the milk gradually, whisking constantly until thickened, then blend in your favorite cheeses for a luscious result. For extra depth, use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère or Monterey Jack, and season the sauce generously with garlic, onion, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Layering for Maximum Flavor

Thinly slice your potatoes for even cooking and maximum creaminess—you can use a mandoline or a sharp knife. Alternate layers of potatoes with sauce and extra cheese, ensuring every spud is well-coated. This method guarantees each forkful has the perfect ratio of cheese, sauce, and tender potato.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Side

Serve cheesy scalloped potatoes alongside roast meats, glazed ham, or as part of a casserole spread. Add a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley just before serving to cut through the richness and add a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with crisp salads for balance, or makes a decadent vegetarian entrée with a side of greens.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 hearty servings. Depending on the cheese and milk used, each serving typically contains around 320-370 calories. While undeniably indulgent, it brings wholesome satisfaction to any meal and is best enjoyed as a special treat.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Recap)

Cheesy scalloped potatoes combine velvety layers of potatoes with a luxurious, bubbling cheese sauce—a proven hit for both family dinners and festive occasions.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan, stirring until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly. Repeat for two more layers, finishing with a final layer of sauce.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
7. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. You can prep it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat for quick weeknight sides or lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days you want to serve it, and let CookifyAI generate a smart shopping list that consolidates ingredients across all your scheduled meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Keeps weekly meal prep efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning your week, schedule your recipes to see where ingredients overlap—for example, onions and cheese that might be used in multiple dishes—so your shopping is accurate and waste is minimized.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes