If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish, cheesy scalloped potatoes are hard to beat. Thin slices of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce create a rich and satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to holiday ham.

This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a warm, homemade side that feels special. The creamy sauce, melted cheese, and golden top layer make every bite irresistibly comforting.

Best of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. With just a little prep and time in the oven, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy potato bake that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🧀 Ultra creamy and cheesy comfort food
🥔 Uses simple pantry ingredients
⏱ Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly side dish everyone loves
🍽 Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for richer sauce
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika optional
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).

Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assemble the Dish

Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish.

Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake 15–25 minutes more, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are definitely a comfort food dish, but they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Potatoes provide:

Potassium
Fiber
Vitamin C

Pairing this dish with lean proteins and vegetables can help create a balanced meal. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.

Calories & Nutrition (Estimated)

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: ~320
Protein: ~11g
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Fat: ~17g
Fiber: ~3g

Potatoes also provide important nutrients that support energy and muscle function.

Tips for Best Results

Slice Potatoes Evenly

Uniform slices ensure that all potatoes cook evenly.

Use Yukon Gold for Creaminess

Yukon Gold potatoes naturally create a creamier texture.

Don’t Skip the Roux

The butter and flour mixture thickens the sauce and prevents it from becoming watery.

Let It Rest

Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce set properly.

Freshly Shredded Cheese Works Best

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting.

Variations & Substitutions

Add Bacon

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky flavor.

Make It Extra Cheesy

Add parmesan or extra cheddar on top.

Add Vegetables

Layer in thin slices of mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Protein Boost

Add diced ham or cooked chicken to turn it into a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat scalloped potatoes?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes usually use a cream sauce, while potatoes au gratin typically include more cheese between layers.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Creamy Comfort Side Dish)