Cozy Comfort: The Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Golden, creamy, and loaded with irresistible cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe goodness, this dish promises pure comfort on a plate.

Thinly sliced potatoes bake into a luxurious cascade of melted cheese and rich, velvety sauce.

Layers of tender potato rounds nestle between waves of sharp cheddar and smooth cream.

Each forkful delivers a decadent blend of crispy edges and silky centers that melt in your mouth.

The aroma wafting from the oven promises pure culinary bliss.

Summers, winters, weeknights, or special occasions – this classic side dish never disappoints.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to create potato perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Keeping Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Tasty for Days

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy texture might slightly change, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain the original crispy top.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 85 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 294 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredient Essentials

• Potatoes: Starchy foundation that gives the dish its hearty texture, choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamy, even cooking.
• Onions: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the dish, select fresh yellow onions for a mild, balanced flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Classic roux base that creates a silky, thick sauce with incredible richness.
• Milk: Provides smooth, creamy consistency and helps blend flavors seamlessly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty star of the dish that delivers tangy, bold cheese flavor and golden color.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the richness of cheese and potatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the final dish.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensures even, gentle cooking of potatoes.

Equipment List for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Large Baking Dish: 8×8-inch casserole dish for layering potatoes and creating the final baked dish.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for peeling and slicing potatoes and onions evenly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables safely.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for making smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, creating a lump-free sauce, and incorporating cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese for the most flavorful sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir sauce and layer ingredients smoothly.
• Fork: Used to test potato tenderness during baking.

Cooking Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes at Home

• Oven Preparation

Get your kitchen ready by warming the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab an 8×8 baking dish and give it a light spray to prevent sticking.

• Potato and Onion Landscape

Create beautiful layers of thinly sliced potatoes and delicate onion rings, nestling them carefully in your prepared dish. Think of it like building a delicious edible sculpture.

• Creamy Cheese Transformation

In a saucepan, begin melting butter and dance in some flour with a whisk. Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth sauce.

• Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar and watch it melt into a luxurious golden river. Stir until the sauce becomes perfectly uniform and glossy.

• Liquid Gold Distribution

Gently cascade the cheese sauce over your potato landscape, ensuring every slice gets a loving coating.

• Baking Journey

Cover your creation with aluminum foil and let it bake for about 85-90 minutes. The potatoes will become tender and dreamy, telling you they’re ready when easily pierced.

• Final Touch

For an extra golden crown, remove the foil and let the top caramelize under the broiler. Watch closely to prevent burning. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve this comfort classic hot and proud.

Adjustment Ideas for Potato

• Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika between potato layers to add depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Transform the recipe into a complete meal by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken between potato layers for extra protein and richness.
• Swap regular milk with low-fat or plant-based milk options, and use reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this comforting classic without sacrificing flavor.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before layering to remove excess starch and prevent browning, ensuring a more visually appealing and evenly cooked dish.

Serving Tips for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Complement the creamy potatoes with grilled chicken, roasted ham, or tender beef roast for a complete meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Create a Green Veggie Balance: Add a fresh side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or crisp green salad to provide a nutritious contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Elevate with Garnish Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or green onions on top to add color, texture, and an extra burst of flavor that makes the dish pop.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to cut through the creamy richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Velvety Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy scalloped potatoes invite home cooks to explore classic potato casserole perfection with creamy layered goodness. Crisp edges and rich cheese sauce make this side dish an irresistible companion for family meals.

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Ingredients

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• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.25-inch slices (2 lbs / 907 g)
• 1.5 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Layer Preparation: Slice potatoes and onions into delicate, consistent rounds, arranging them in alternating layers within the baking dish to guarantee uniform cooking and flavor infusion.
3. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and kosher salt, stirring constantly for about a minute to create a silky roux.
4. Liquid Integration: Smoothly stream milk into the roux, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce with a creamy consistency.
5. Cheese Fusion: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a glossy, homogeneous texture.
6. Assembly: Drench the layered potatoes and onions with the cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive and even distribution throughout the casserole.
7. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 85-90 minutes, periodically testing potato tenderness with a fork.
8. Finishing Touch: Uncover and activate the broiler, carefully monitoring to develop a crisp, golden-brown top without scorching.
9. Serving: Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Roux Mastery: Continuously whisk flour and butter to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that guarantees a velvety cheese sauce.
• Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy consistency in the sauce.
• Baking Technique: Check potatoes periodically to avoid overcooking; a fork should glide smoothly through layers without resistance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 294
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 305 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg