If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a classic comfort dish that elevates humble potatoes with layers of rich cream and sharp cheeses – perfect for everything from holiday dinners to cozy weeknights.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Comfort food at its finest: There’s nothing quite like the creamy texture and cheesy goodness of scalloped potatoes to warm your soul.
Simple ingredients, incredible flavor: Using just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers big taste without fuss.
Great for gatherings: It’s a crowd favorite that easily serves 6-10 people, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you want it a bit cheesier or with different potatoes, this recipe adapts beautifully to your tastes and kitchen arsenal.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with several thin layers of sliced golden-yellow potatoes arranged in neat overlapping rows, covered by creamy, slightly browned melted cheese that forms a bubbly, textured top layer with scattered small green herb pieces sprinkled over it. The dish has golden brown spots where the cheese is toasted at the edges, adding a crispy texture, while the creamy sauce peeks through the potato layers below. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, potato casserole with cheese, easy comfort food recipes

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a star role: creamy, savory, and packed with texture and flavor. Using high-quality cheeses and fresh potatoes makes all the difference for a dish that tastes homemade and indulgent.

Flat lay of thinly sliced Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes arranged in neat overlapping layers, fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese piled next to finely grated parmesan cheese, smooth heavy cream gently poured in a glass stream, small cubes of creamy butter, and a cluster of minced garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with a few scattered black peppercorns for texture, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, potato casserole with cheese, easy comfort food recipes

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties hold their shape well and offer a creamy interior when baked.
Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated for optimal melting and sharp flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the cheesy richness.
Heavy cream: Brings a luscious texture and ensures the layers stay moist and tender.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the cream with subtle warmth and savoriness.
Butter: Needed to gently cook the garlic and enrich the sauce base.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors of this comforting dish.

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.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and moving the rack to the middle position to ensure even cooking. Peel your potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline slicer – this helps the layers cook evenly and gives you that perfect creamy texture without mushiness. Grate the cheeses fresh for the best melt and flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Let it warm gently, stirring occasionally. Once it just reaches a boil, remove from heat – this luxurious sauce is the key to tender, flavorful potatoes.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and begin by placing half of the sliced potatoes in a slightly overlapping layer on the bottom. Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of each cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheeses, finishing with a generous layer of cheese to create that golden, bubbly crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften and the flavors meld. Then remove the foil and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a toothpick and the cheese is beautifully browned. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving – this helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy potato gratin. The top layer shows golden-brown melted cheese with spots of light browning and a few small green herb sprinkles. Underneath, thinly sliced round potato pieces are visible with a creamy white sauce covering them, creating a smooth texture. A silver serving spoon is scooping up some of the dish, held by a woman's hand, showing the soft and tender layers of potatoes and sauce. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, potato casserole with cheese, easy comfort food recipes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds the perfect pop of color and a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra indulgence, a small drizzle of browned butter on top just before serving is heavenly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, steak, or ham. A crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables give the meal balance and freshness, elevating it beyond just comfort food to a complete, satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also add layers of sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even crispy bacon for added flavor and texture variations that make this recipe truly your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The potatoes soak up the flavors overnight and sometimes taste even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe container and wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish wrapped in foil at 350°F until heated through. For the best texture, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the top crisp back up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal for their texture and creaminess, but you can experiment with red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes might result in a slightly different texture.
Do I have to use both cheddar and parmesan cheese?

While the blend of cheddar and parmesan gives fantastic flavor and texture, you can substitute or add other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to suit your preference.
Can this dish be made dairy-free or vegan?

For a dairy-free version, try swapping heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture may vary, but it can still be delicious.
How do I know when the scalloped potatoes are done?

The potatoes are ready when you can easily slide a toothpick or fork through the layers without resistance. The top should be bubbly and golden brown, signaling the perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to for comforting, cheesy goodness that everyone will adore. It’s simple to prep, customizable, and makes any meal feel special. Give it a try and watch it become an instant family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 103 reviews

Author: Susan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 10 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are baked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce with plenty of melted cheddar and parmesan cheeses, delivering a deliciously cheesy and tender texture every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Potatoes

3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick

Cream Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy/whipping cream
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle level to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the potatoes and cheese: Peel the potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into uniform 1/8 inch (3 mm) slices. Grate the cheddar and parmesan cheeses finely so they melt smoothly.
Make the cream sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally, and bring it just to a boil. Remove from heat immediately to prevent curdling.
Layer the scalloped potatoes: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an overlapping layer on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the warm cream sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of each cheese evenly on top. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining cream sauce and cheeses, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Bake the potatoes: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a toothpick and the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest before serving: Once baked, allow the scalloped potatoes to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving and enhances the flavors before enjoying.

Notes

This recipe serves 6 to 10 people depending on portion size and accompanying dishes.
Use a mandoline slicer for quick, uniform potato slices. Always wear a protective glove when using a mandoline for safety.
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills or splatters during baking to keep your oven clean.
For more tips, step-by-step photos, and make-ahead advice, refer to the corresponding blog post or the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook, chapter 8.