If you have been searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together silky textures and rich flavors, this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine layers of tender russet potatoes and sweet onions, all enveloped in a luscious, homemade cheddar cheese sauce that bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish has that timeless appeal—perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or whenever you crave something indulgently satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe so special is its simplicity—the ingredients are humble but essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color in the finished dish.
- Russet potatoes: Peeled and sliced thinly to create tender, hearty layers that soak up all the sauce beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sweetness and texture contrast between the potatoes.
- Unsalted butter: Combines with flour to create a smooth base for the creamy sauce, controlling salt levels perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, giving the sauce a silky, velvety consistency.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavors thoughtfully throughout, balancing the richness.
- Whole milk: Provides that rich creaminess which makes this recipe truly comforting and not overly heavy.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Shredded fresh for melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness that ties every bite together wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring every layer bursts with perfectly balanced seasoning.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F, so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions
Arrange your peeled and thinly sliced russet potatoes and the delicate rings of yellow onion in the casserole dish in a staggered fashion. Alternating potato and onion slices ensures that every bite offers a lovely balance of creamy potato and subtle onion sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and kosher salt quickly, cooking for about one minute to form a roux and remove any raw flour taste. Then, slowly stir in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon—this step transforms simple ingredients into a silky sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat slightly and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese all at once. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating an irresistible creamy, cheesy mixture that will lovingly coat every potato slice.
Step 5: Pour sauce and Bake
Pour the luscious cheese sauce evenly over the arranged potatoes and onions. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap the moisture and bake for 85 to 90 minutes, checking that the potatoes have become wonderfully tender and infused with the sauce’s rich flavor.
Step 6: Finish with a Golden Broil
Once baked, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the potatoes just until the top is bubbly and golden brown—this final step adds the perfect crispy, irresistible crust that contrasts beautifully with the dish’s creamy interior.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a subtle brightness that complements the cheese’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This luscious dish pairs wonderfully with simple, protein-rich sides like roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to impress your guests. Layered beautifully and topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese or crispy breadcrumbs, they become elegant yet comforting starters or side dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the scalloped potatoes cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy rich, cheesy comfort whenever you like.
Freezing
This Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to preserve moisture. Bake until warmed through, usually around 20-30 minutes. For a crisp top, remove the foil near the end of reheating and let it brown slightly under the broiler.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar offers a classic creamy flavor, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses can add wonderful complexity. Just ensure they melt well to maintain that perfect sauce texture.
Are there alternatives to russet potatoes?
Russets provide a fluffy texture that’s ideal for scalloped potatoes, but Yukon Golds also work beautifully, offering a buttery flavor and creamier consistency.
Why is the sauce thickened with flour?
Flour combined with butter forms a roux base, which thickens the sauce safely, allowing it to cling to the potatoes without becoming runny, crucial for the dish’s signature creamy texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting butter with plant-based margarine, milk with almond or oat milk, and choosing a dairy-free cheese alternative, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this recipe.
What if my potatoes aren’t fully cooked after baking?
If potatoes are still firm after the recommended baking time, simply cover and continue baking, checking every 10-15 minutes until tender. Oven temperatures can vary, so patience ensures perfect results.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe—it’s a heartwarming classic that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a solo treat, this dish elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Go ahead, make it soon and savor every rich, cheesy, creamy bite.
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Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes and onions baked in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal, it combines a luscious, thickened milk-based sauce with gooey melted cheddar, baked until golden and bubbly with a crisp broiled topping.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Potatoes and Onions
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Potatoes and Onions: Layer the peeled and sliced potatoes and sliced onion rings in the prepared baking dish, alternating between potato slices and onion rings for even distribution and flavor.
- Cook Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, whisking constantly for about one minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the room temperature whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens to a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Add Cheese: Stir in all the shredded mild cheddar cheese at once, continuing to stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Pour Sauce over Potatoes: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 85 to 90 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Broil for Crisp Topping: After baking, change the oven setting to broil. Broil the casserole until the top turns golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Season and Serve: Remove from the oven, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot as a comforting and delicious side dish.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is at room temperature before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Slicing potatoes evenly at ¼-inch thickness helps ensure even cooking.
- Covering the dish during baking prevents the top from drying out.
- Broiling at the end gives a desirable crispy golden cheese topping.
- Use a mild cheddar for a creamy flavor; sharp cheddar can be substituted for more tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
