If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, homey side dish that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how rich, gooey, and cheesy it turns out, with tender slices of potatoes nestled in a velvety cream sauce. When I first made it, my family went crazy for it — and I bet you’re going to feel the same way once you take that first bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get it just right in your own kitchen.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: This recipe brings that nostalgic, cozy feeling straight to your table.
Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: A perfectly smooth sauce that’s packed with sharp cheddar flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need pantry staples and everyday veggies.
Easy to Customize: Make it your own by swapping or adding cheeses and spices.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with creamy potato gratin. The dish has multiple layers showing thin potato slices covered in a rich, creamy sauce with a golden brown melted cheese crust on top. The cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, with some finely grated cheese sprinkled over the surface. A spoon is lifting a portion of the gratin, revealing soft, tender potato slices beneath the cheesy layer. The dish rests on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potato casserole, cheesy potato side dish, comfort food recipes, easy scalloped potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in a few simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Picking fresh potatoes and a sharp cheddar makes a noticeable difference, so here are some pointers to make your shopping easier.

Flat lay of fresh russet potatoes whole and unpeeled, a small whole yellow onion, a few pats of natural unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of fine white flour, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, and a small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potato casserole, cheesy potato side dish, comfort food recipes, easy scalloped potatoes

Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes cook up soft and creamy, perfect for scalloping without falling apart.
Onion: Adds just the right touch of sweetness—thinly sliced to melt into the creamy sauce.
Butter: Essential for creating that rich base in the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a perfect creamy consistency.
Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but 2% can work too.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors naturally.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For sprinkling on top, adds a wonderful salty crust if you’re feeling fancy.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is. Once you get comfortable with the classic, you can totally make it your own depending on the season, what’s in your fridge, or your dietary preferences.

Make it extra cheesy: I sometimes add mozzarella or Gruyère for a more indulgent, melty texture—give it a try!
Swap dairy: Using half-and-half or cream instead of milk can make it even richer if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Add herbs: A pinch of thyme or rosemary worked into the sauce gives a lovely aromatic lift.
Healthier twist: Use less butter and cheese, or swap milk for unsweetened almond milk to lighten things up.
Garlic & spices: Toss in minced garlic or a dash of smoked paprika for a flavor kick that’s fantastic for gatherings.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your baking dish a good greasing with cooking spray—this helps keep everything from sticking, especially once that cheese melts. Peel your russet potatoes and thinly slice them along with your onion. I find a mandoline or a sharp knife handy here; the thinner the slices, the creamier and more tender the final dish will be.

Step 2: Make That Creamy Sauce

Melt the butter gently in a small pot over low heat. Once it’s bubbly, stir in salt, pepper, and flour. This step is key—mixing these dry ingredients into the fat creates a roux that thickens the sauce. When it’s smooth, crank the heat to medium-high and pour in the milk gradually, stirring constantly. Keep things moving so the sauce doesn’t scorch—this patience pays off with a silky finish. When it just starts to bubble, let it boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove the pot from heat and stir your slices of onion right in.

Step 3: Layer, Layer, Layer

Now comes the fun: layering! Place a single layer of the thin potato slices in your baking dish, slightly overlapping for that classic scalloped look. Pour about a third of your rich cream sauce over them. Repeat this two more times until all your potatoes and sauce are nicely stacked. This layering is what gives you pockets of creamy goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Bake

Spread the shredded cheddar evenly on top of the potatoes. If you want to add a little salty, golden crust, sprinkle some Parmesan on top too—it’s my go-to secret for added flavor and texture. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and just turning golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the edges look perfectly done.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Slice Thinly and Evenly: Using a mandoline or consistent knife work ensures even cooking and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t Rush the Roux: I discovered that stirring the flour and butter well before adding milk helps avoid lumps and creates a silky sauce.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the dish covered for most of the bake helps the potatoes cook through and stay moist, preventing a dry outcome.
Use Sharp Cheese: Regular cheddar works, but sharp and extra-sharp cheeses elevate the flavor and melt beautifully — don’t skip this!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

The dish shows a white baking dish filled with a layered potato casserole. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with some browned spots, covering thin potato slices underneath that are off-white and smooth. The potatoes and cheese blend with a creamy sauce that bubbles up around edges and parts of the cheese. The surface beneath the baking dish is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potato casserole, cheesy potato side dish, comfort food recipes, easy scalloped potatoes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving — it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts with the richness. Sometimes, I’ll also add a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and color.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, beef pot roast, or grilled pork chops. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp, bright salad balance out its rich creaminess beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also top each portion with a little caramelized onion or crispy bacon for extra flair. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking adds a satisfying crunch that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scalloped potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to gently press a piece of parchment paper on top before sealing—it helps keep moisture right where it belongs.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with great success! Cool the dish completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It keeps really well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. I avoid the microwave for this one because I want to preserve the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out or becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

You can, but russets are ideal because they have a fluffy texture that absorbs the sauce. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold will hold their shape more, resulting in a firmer texture, which some people prefer!
Is there a dairy-free version of this scalloped potatoes recipe?

Yes! You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use unsweetened almond or oat milk. For cheese, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but results will differ slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a few hours or even a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated—add the cheese on top right before baking for the best results.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

After baking, test by inserting a knife or fork into the middle layer—it should slide in easily without resistance. The creamy sauce should be bubbling at the edges too.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that comforts and satisfies every single time. It’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you want to feel cozy with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes your go-to recipe for creating memories around the table, just like it did for me.