Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This Southern-style dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered and baked in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce. Combining sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses with milk, cream, and spices, it creates a comforting, rich texture. Baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs well with roasted meats or stands as a satisfying vegetarian option. Garnished with fresh herbs, it’s perfect for family dinners or holidays.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:43:00 GMT
Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling from the oven, a quintessential Southern side dish. Save
Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling from the oven, a quintessential Southern side dish. | nachohaha.com

A rich, decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.

This classic Southern dish has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded, 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • Pantry & Spices: 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste), ½ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Melt Butter and Flour:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
Make Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 3 5 minutes.
Season Sauce:
Stir in garlic powder salt pepper and paprika. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese:
Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Layer Potatoes:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
Add Cheese Sauce:
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
A close-up of a casserole brimming with creamy, cheesy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, ready to serve. Save
A close-up of a casserole brimming with creamy, cheesy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, ready to serve. | nachohaha.com

Our family enjoys this recipe during holiday gatherings, making memories as we savor every creamy bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs excellently with roast meats or as a vegetarian main with a fresh green salad.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.

Variations

Try adding cooked bacon layers or swapping Gruyère for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavors.

Tender potato layers drenched in a creamy sauce, our classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Save
Tender potato layers drenched in a creamy sauce, our classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. | nachohaha.com

This rich dish adds warmth and comfort to any meal with its luscious creamy texture.

Recipe FAQ

→ What types of potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when baked.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, Gruyère can be swapped for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

→ How do I ensure the sauce thickens properly?

Whisk butter and flour until bubbly, then gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it contains only dairy and vegetable ingredients, making it vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a rich Southern-style side.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
75 min
Complete duration
95 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Medium

Heritage Southern American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 2.5 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

01 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
04 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Phase 02

Create Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly without browning.

Phase 03

Add Dairy Liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Phase 04

Season Sauce: Incorporate garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Phase 05

Melt Cheeses into Sauce: Stir in 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Phase 06

Layer Potatoes and Onions: Place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish. Top evenly with half of the sliced onions.

Phase 07

Add Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions.

Phase 08

Repeat Layers: Arrange the remaining potatoes and onions atop the first layers. Cover with the remaining cheese sauce.

Phase 09

Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the assembled layers.

Phase 10

Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Phase 11

Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the surface is golden and bubbling.

Phase 12

Rest and Garnish: Allow to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped chives or parsley and serving.

Tools needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten from flour). For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 10 g

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