Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes come from a very old term – scalloping used to mean thinly sliced vegetables. Nowadays, scalloped potatoes are a simple mixture of thinly sliced potatoes, herbs, and cream – and in this recipe, loads of delicious cheese that sinks in and makes every bite crave-worthy!

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Red potatoes (1 ¼ lbs) – Red potatoes hold their shape beautifully and add a tender, slightly waxy bite to the dish.
• Yukon gold potatoes (1 ¼ lbs) – Yukon golds bring buttery richness and creamy texture that balances perfectly with the sauce.
• Onion (1) – Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the savory layers.
• Butter (3 tbsp) – Creates a rich base for the roux and lends a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• All purpose flour (3 tbsp) – Thickens the creamy cheese sauce, helping it cling perfectly to each potato slice.
• Garlic cloves (2) – Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Dry mustard (1 tsp) – Adds a gentle tang and enhances the sharpness of the cheeses.
• Dried thyme (¼ tsp) – Provides earthy, herbal notes that deepen the overall flavor.
• Paprika (¼ tsp) – Brings a mild smokiness and warm color to the creamy sauce.
• Sea salt (1 tsp) – Balances the richness and brings out the natural potato and cheese flavors.
• Black pepper fresh ground (¼ tsp) – Adds a hint of heat and spice that brightens the creamy layers.
• Whole milk (2 cups) – Forms the silky base of the sauce, ensuring a smooth, rich consistency.
• Cheddar cheese shredded (1 cup, plus 1/4 cup more for topping) – Delivers bold, tangy flavor and classic meltability for the sauce.
• Gruyere cheese shredded (½ cup, plus 1/4 cup more for topping) – Adds nutty, slightly sweet depth and luscious melt to the creamy blend.
• Parmesan cheese grated (¼ cup, plus 2 tbsp more for topping) – Contributes a salty, savory finish and helps create a golden crust.
• Fresh Chives and Parsley to garnish – Provide a bright, oniony freshness and pop of herbal color that lifts the richness of the dish.

Use this Method

Prep – Generously grease a 2 quart casserole dish with softened butter, and set aside. With a mandoline or very sharp knife, slice potatoes into very, very thin slices, about 1/8″ thick.
Make Sauce – In a medium sized saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat.
When butter is light and foamy, add garlic and saute for 1 minute, until soft and very fragrant – stirring a few times to prevent burning. Slowly add in flour, whisking vigorously for about one minute. Add in milk slowly, whisking vigorously, until there are no more lumps. Keep whisking until mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon. Turn off heat and remove pan. Add cheeses, dry mustard (optional), herbs, paprika, salt and pepper, and stir until smooth.
Assemble – Start to arrange and layer half the potatoes and onions in greased casserole dish, pour approximately half of the cheese sauce over potatoes, sink in, and let sit for a minute or two to help it soak in. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese cream sauce. Sprinkle top of potatoes with cheese. Cover in nonstick aluminum foil.
Bake – Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place casserole on a baking sheet, to catch any extra drips, and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake, uncovered another 25-30 minutes. Potatoes should be soft, tender, and the cheese should be smoothly melted. Broil on HIGH for a minute or two for extra browning and crispiness. Sprinkle the top with diced chives, thyme, or parsley and serve.

Tips To Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Slice Thin – The easiest way to scallop potatoes, if you don’t have excellent knife control skills, is to use a mandoline. I have an OXO Mandoline I love and use often especially for thin slices like this. Thinly slice potatoes with a mandoline, taking care to protect fingers. Thinner potatoes cook faster, and crisp up better!

Use New Potatoes – New, crisp potatoes are the easiest to slice. Older potatoes get saggy, and have more “give”, making them harder to slice thinly.

Use the right potatoes – Yukon gold potatoes work best in this baked scallop potatoes recipe because they have enough starch for this recipe – and keep their round shape and chewy texture. Russet potatoes can turn to mush in scalloped potatoes, and make a less than great choice.

Cover while Baking – Keep the potatoes covered with foil or a heavy lid during most of the cooking process to trap steam in. When potatoes are soft and tender, remove the foil or lid so the potatoes can become crispy and crunchy on the top and sides! The crunch is the best part!

FAQs

Aim for ?-inch thick slices for even cooking and tender layers that soak up the sauce perfectly.

No, it’s optional! Leaving the skins on adds texture, color, and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother bite.

Yes—assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Make sure to slowly add warm milk to the roux and stir continuously; avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added to keep it smooth.

They may need more time to bake, or your sauce wasn’t thickened enough. Be sure to cook the roux until it’s thick and smooth before layering.

Yes—bake first, cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot and bubbly.

What To Serve With Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes are a favorite on my Thanksgiving table alongside smoked turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry chutney, cornbread stuffing, and gravy!

If you love this delicious and easy scalloped potatoes recipe, please check out some of my other favorite holiday dinner dishes!

Boneless Ribeye Roast Recipe

Pan-Fried Zucchini

Butter Poached Potatoes

10 Minute Pan Seared Thai Chili Scallops

Leftover Pie Parfaits Recipe

Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe

The Best Deviled Egg Recipes Ever

Roasted Pork Loin and Pears

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