Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Easy to Make)
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a comforting meal, this easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is perfect for you. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden brown perfection; this dish is sure to become a favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to make, allowing you to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You Will Love Making Scalloped Potatoes
- This scalloped potato recipe can be served on any occasion. Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, or a family dinner, scalloped potatoes fit the bill. Want to add a personal touch? Mix in some fresh or dried herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t let the delicious sauce and lush golden brown topping intimidate you! Making perfect scalloped potatoes is straightforward. With potatoes and other basic ingredients like milk, flour, and cheese, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious recipe. You can even make the potatoes ahead of time, taking some stress off on the day you plan to serve them.
- Are you hosting a dinner party? Scalloped potatoes are a surefire hit. With the combination of tender potatoes and the creamiest sauce, even the pickiest eater will be asking for seconds of these cheesy potatoes.
- Have guests with dietary restrictions? No problem! Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour instead. Voila! You’ve got yourself a gluten-free version of scalloped potatoes that still tastes amazing.
- Want to prepare your meal in advance? This recipe freezes well, allowing you to whip up a batch of scalloped potatoes ahead and store it for later. Just follow the proper cooling and freezing guidelines, and you’ll have a homemade scalloped potatoes dish ready to bake whenever you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes with step-by-step instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F/175°C and greasing a medium-sized casserole dish.
Preparing the Sauce
Next, melt butter over medium heat in a pan. Then, stir in the flour, creating a flour mixture that will be the base of your white sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk (whole milk is perfect here), and season with salt.
You can even add a touch of onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Slowly stir in your shredded cheese, and your sauce is ready!
Layering the Potatoes
Grab your baking dish, thinly slice potatoes, and start layering a third of them in the casserole dish. Season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper, and then pour a third of the creamy homemade sauce evenly over them.
Repeat this process until all the potatoes and sauce are in the dish. Scatter the remaining cheese on top, and it’s time to bake!
Baking to Perfection
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F/175°C for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another hour or until the potatoes are soft.
Want that extra golden topping? Broil for 3-4 minutes, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Letting It Stand
After you take the potatoes out of the oven, let them stand for about 5 to 10 minutes. As it stands, the sauce thickens, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for the best scalloped potatoes experience. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: The type of potatoes you use can make a significant difference in your dish. While russet potatoes are commonly used, Yukon gold potatoes add a buttery flavor and have a fantastic texture for scalloped potatoes. Red potatoes are also a great choice. Just remember, uniform slices are key, so make sure to thinly slice the potatoes for the best result.
- Adjusting the Creaminess: Your preference for creaminess can vary, and this recipe is flexible. If you want a more decadent dish, you can use heavy cream instead of whole milk in the cheese sauce. Or add more cheese to make it extra cheesy. Experimenting with the cream sauce can lead to delightful variations.
- Adding Flavor Variations: Feeling adventurous? Why not play around with some flavor enhancements? A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up. You can even add diced vegan ham to create a more substantial meal. The possibilities are endless!
- Cheese: While sharp cheddar is our cheese of choice, feel free to mix it up. Try using Gruyère, Parmesan Cheese, or a blend of your favorite vegan cheeses for a new twist on the dish.
- Even Cooking: To achieve tender potatoes and a perfectly baked dish, it’s essential to layer the potatoes evenly. Pour the cheese sauce gradually to ensure every potato slice gets coated. Covering with foil and baking, followed by baking uncovered, helps to cook the potatoes uniformly without drying them out..
- Dietary Preferences: For those with dietary restrictions, you can modify the recipe. Use gluten-free flour and vegetable broth for a gluten-free version, or experiment with plant-based cheese and milk for a vegan option.
- What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes? Scalloped potatoes focus on a creamy sauce with potatoes that are sliced thinly, often sans cheese. Potatoes au gratin, however, are all about layering cheese between those slices, sometimes topped with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Creamy or cheesy, both options offer a delicious delight!
How to Store Leftover Scalloped Potatoes
Got leftover scalloped potatoes? Here are the best ways to store them.
Refrigerating
If you find yourself with leftover scalloped potatoes, simply allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
They’ll stay tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes, you have a couple of options.
For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Prefer the oven? No problem! Place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F/175°C for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Tip: remove the foil for the last 5 minutes and broil to make the top crispy again.
Freezing for Later
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes! To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil.
They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes make the perfect side when served with these delicious recipes.
Main Courses
When it comes to pairing your homemade scalloped potatoes with other scrumptious vegetarian dishes, the possibilities are endless!
Serve them with a savory and satisfying Vegan Ham or a hearty Nut Roast, which is a classic favorite among vegetarians. For something a bit different, you might enjoy the flavors of a Lentil Loaf, packed with protein and comfort.
Stuffed and Grilled Veggies
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, stuffed or grilled veggies can offer a wonderful balance. Stuffed Bell Peppers, or Air Fryer Mushrooms, make for beautiful companions to the creamy potatoes.
You can also create a Roasted Vegetable Medley featuring favorites like carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Fresh and Crunchy Salads
Refreshing salads always have a place at the table, and they can brighten up the meal with their crisp and tangy notes.
From a simple Avocado Salad to a lively Grape Salad paired with seasonal fruits and nuts, the options are delightful. Even a vegetarian-friendly Waldorf Salad can make a tasty addition.
More delicious potato recipes for you to try
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Dauphinoise Potatoes
- Potato Casserole
Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Easy to Make)
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter divided
- 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2½ Cups milk
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- 2 Cups sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 Medium potatoes peeled and sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and grease a medium sized casserole dish.
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Then slowly whisk in the milk, and season with salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook the sauce until it's smooth giving it an occasional stir. Then slowly stir in 1 cup of cheese.4 Tablespoons butter, 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour, 2½ Cups milk, ½ Teaspoon salt
- Place ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in your casserole dish, season with salt and pepper, and then pour ⅓ of the cheese sauce evenly over them. Repeat the layers and top with cream sauce. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake until the potatoes are soft approximately 1 hour. For an extra golden topping, broil for 3 – 4 minutes. Let the potatoes stand for 5 to 10 minutes so that the sauce thickens. Serve and enjoy.2 Cups sharp Cheddar cheese, Salt and black pepper, 6 Medium potatoes
Notes
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: The type of potatoes you use can make a significant difference in your dish. While russet potatoes are commonly used, Yukon gold potatoes add a buttery flavor and have a fantastic texture for scalloped potatoes. Red potatoes are also a great choice. Just remember, uniform slices are key, so make sure to thinly slice the potatoes for the best result.
- Adjusting the Creaminess: Your preference for creaminess can vary, and this recipe is flexible. If you want a more decadent dish, you can use heavy cream instead of whole milk in the cheese sauce. Or add more cheese to make it extra cheesy.
- Adding Flavor Variations: Feeling adventurous? Why not play around with some flavor enhancements? A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up. You can even add diced vegan ham to create a more substantial meal. The possibilities are endless!
- Cheese: While sharp cheddar is our cheese of choice, feel free to mix it up. Try using Gruyère, Parmesan Cheese, or a blend of your favorite vegan cheeses for a new twist on the dish.
- Dietary Preferences: For those with dietary restrictions, you can modify the recipe. Use gluten-free flour and vegetable broth for a gluten-free version, or experiment with plant-based cheese and milk for a vegan option.
- Storage: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until hot. To reheat in the oven, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F/175°C for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Tip: remove the foil for the last 5 minutes and broil to make the top crispy again.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Made this with Yukon Gold potatoes and they turned out so decadent! They were browned just perfectly and the whole thing was gone, with everyone asking for seconds. Will definitely be adding to our holiday recipe list!
It’s wonderful that they turned out perfectly browned and were such a hit. Adding it to your holiday recipe list is a fantastic idea.
As the days get colder and shorter, these scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food! The creamy cheese sauce enveloping each thinly sliced potato was nothing short of heavenly. I took your advice and added a dash of garlic powder to the sauce for that extra kick, and it was a hit!
Scalloped potatoes are the perfect comfort food for chilly days! It’s wonderful that it was a hit!
Thoroughly enjoyed these potatoes with meatloaf the other night! Easy to make and so indulgent and creamy. Needless to say, no one had to instruct the kids to finish their meals!
I’m glad to hear that these potatoes were a hit with your dinner! The fact that the kids finished their meals without any instructions is a testament to just how tasty it was.
I recently prepared this recipe for a family gathering, and it was an absolute hit! The dish turned out wonderfully creamy and delightfully cheesy, and the flavors were truly remarkable. It garnered unanimous praise from my entire family. I’m already looking forward to making it again!
I’m so glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed the recipe! It’s wonderful to know that it was a hit and that everyone loved the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Delighted to say I made these homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes! 🙌🧀 They turned out incredibly creamy and delicious. A perfect side dish for a cozy dinner.
I’m delighted to hear that they turned out creamy and delicious. They indeed make for a perfect side dish for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!
The creamy sauce on these potatoes was heavenly. Definitely a new staple for Sunday night dinner!
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the creamy sauce on the potatoes! It’s wonderful to have a new Sunday night dinner staple.
As a pepper lover, I tried this recipe following your tip to add a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and some cayenne pepper for a flavor variation. I also added bacon (as per my own preference). The result turned out really really good, I loved it! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
I’m so glad you loved it, and you’re very welcome!
Your scalloped potatoes were a big hit at my dinner table tonight. The creamy cheese sauce and the tender potatoes were the perfect comfort food as the sun sets earlier and the days get colder. Thank you for sharing such a delicious and convenient dish!
You’re welcome Kaitlyn! They are indeed the perfect comfort food for colder days. Happy cooking!