If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish, these Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are exactly what you need! Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly, this recipe is both simple and delicious.

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A baking dish with freshly baked cheesy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese on top.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and delicious, this scalloped potatoes recipe is the perfect comfort food side dish. Here are a few reasons why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:

✔ It is super easy to make. With very simple ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to make. It is proof that such a special dish does not need to be complicated.

✔ Serve it as an everyday or holiday side dish. This dish works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for special occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

✔ Customizable Flavors. Switch up the cheese, add crispy bacon, ham, fresh herbs, or even caramelized onions to give this dish your own personal twist.

✔ Make-Ahead Friendly. You can prep these cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time, refrigerate, and simply bake them when you’re ready.

A corner of a baking dish with golden brown cheesy scalloped potatoes showing each layer of the thinly sliced potatoes.

Ingredients For Making Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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Potatoes. Use a starchy potato like russet or Yukon Gold. Their starch content helps thicken the creamy sauce, and they also become tender while baking.
Butter and flour. They’re used to create a roux, which is the essential base for making a creamy sauce.
Milk. It adds moisture, richness and gives the sauce a smooth, creamy texture.
Seasonings. Like with all recipes, use your favorite seasonings. I prefer to use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (to give the topping a beautiful color), and salt.
Cheese. Select a cheese or a blend of cheeses to give this recipe the best flavor and texture, like sharp or white cheddar, if you’re going for a classic version. You can also use Parmesan, Gruyère, or Gouda for a nutty, salty flavor.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes which include russet potatoes, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cheese, and paprika.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Scroll down to the recipe card to see detailed step-by-step instructions.

Peel and slice the potatoes, and grate the cheese. Set everything aside.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan, stir in the flour, and whisk to avoid any lumps. Add the milk, seasonings, and cheese, and stir until smooth.

Assemble the baking dish with one layer of sliced potatoes, and then add half of the amount of sauce. Repeat this process a second time, finish with a layer of shredded cheese, and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for about 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown on top.

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FAQs

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

They’re both very similar and delicious, but there are some slight differences. Scalloped potatoes are typically baked with just a cheesy, creamy sauce, with no extra cheese added in between the layers. Whereas authentic au gratin potatoes are made with cheese in almost every layer and often have a breadcrumb topping. Since I love serving these potatoes with a beautiful, cheesy golden crust, I simply call them “cheesy scalloped potatoes”.

Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake until hot and bubbly. It’s a time saver, especially during the holidays.

How do I store scalloped potatoes?

Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until warm through.

Can I freeze cheesy scalloped potatoes?

I don’t recommend freezing them because the cheesy sauce tends to separate, and the texture of the potatoes will be different. But if you must, you can let them cool completely after baking, and freeze them in an airtight container. You can then reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) until warm.

Tools For Making This Recipe

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Consider using a mandolin to slice the potatoes; it evenly cuts the potatoes for better texture and even cooking. Plus, it’s faster, easier, and more precise.

While a mandolin is often recommended, you can also use a sharp chef’s knife for slicing the potatoes. Just be careful when doing it, and also make sure they are uniformly cut for even cooking.

I highly recommend you grate your own cheese with a cheese grater for better flavor and texture, plus, it melts better than store-bought shredded cheese, which is coated with anti-caking agents and fillers.

For the best results, use a shallow, wide casserole or baking dish when making scalloped potatoes to promote faster, more even cooking. A good quality ceramic dish will also retain heat well after baking.

A serving of cheesy scalloped potatoes showing each layer of the sliced potatoes and covered with melted cheddar cheese on top.

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