Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: One-Pan Comforts

This dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a blend of spices. The creamy sauce combines butter, onions, garlic, milk, cream, and Dijon mustard for depth of flavor. Layered potatoes with melted cheese create a golden, bubbly top after baking. Resting before serving allows flavors to meld, offering a comforting, savory side perfect for holidays or gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:01:00 GMT
Golden and bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for a holiday meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden and bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for a holiday meal. | chomzo.com

Ultra-creamy, rich, and flavorful, these Southern-style cheesy scalloped potatoes make the perfect comfort-food side dish for holidays or Sunday suppers.

This dish reminds me of cozy family gatherings where everyone looks forward to the cheesy goodness on the table.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3 pounds (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
  • Cheese Sauce: 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk, warmed, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • Topping: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (45 g) shredded Gruyère cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish.
Step 3:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 4:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5:
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 6:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
Step 8:
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Arrange the remaining potatoes on top, then pour over the remaining cheese sauce, spreading evenly.
Step 9:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 10:
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 11:
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
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This recipe always brings the family together, sparking smiles and seconds at the dinner table.

Required Tools

9x13-inch baking dish Large saucepan Whisk Knife and cutting board Foil Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten from flour) Individuals with allergies should verify all ingredient labels before use.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 410 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 14 g

This photo shows creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh from the oven, ready to serve with a garnish. Save to Pinterest
This photo shows creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes fresh from the oven, ready to serve with a garnish. | chomzo.com

This classic dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your holiday menu.

Common Questions

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and sliced thin provide ideal texture and creaminess when baked.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Gruyère?

Yes, Swiss or Monterey Jack can be substituted for Gruyère to maintain a mild, melty consistency.

How do I achieve a creamy cheese sauce?

Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in warm milk and cream before adding shredded cheese to melt smoothly.

What spices enhance the flavor?

A touch of smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper add depth without overpowering the cheese.

How long should the dish rest after baking?

Letting it rest for about 15 minutes helps the layers set and allows flavors to blend fully before serving.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy scalloped potatoes layered with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses for a rich Southern side dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
75 minutes
Time Needed
95 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Southern American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-free

Required Ingredients

Potatoes

01 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)

Cheese Sauce

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
06 1 cup heavy cream
07 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 1 teaspoon salt
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Topping

01 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 02

Arrange Potatoes: Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Cook Aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened, add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 04

Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 05

Incorporate Dairy: Gradually whisk in warmed milk and cream, stirring continuously until mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 06

Season Sauce: Add Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheddar and Gruyère until fully melted and smooth.

Step 07

Layer Sauce and Potatoes: Pour half the cheese sauce over the potato layer. Add remaining potatoes, then top with remaining sauce, spreading evenly.

Step 08

Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 09

Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top, and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the surface is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

Tools Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk and gluten from wheat flour

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 14 g