Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

These ultra-creamy scalloped potatoes showcase thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked beneath a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyère, butter, and warming spices like smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. The sauce is layered evenly to ensure each bite is silky and flavorful. Baked until golden and bubbly, this classic Southern-style dish offers a comforting balance of textures and deep, savory flavors. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy Sunday dinners, it’s a hearty side that pairs well with roasted meats and BBQ.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Golden-brown, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for any holiday meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting side dish perfect for any holiday meal. | funcockts.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 has been a favorite at family gatherings, always bringing everyone to the table with smiles.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C. Grease a 9x13-inch 23x33 cm baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Layer potatoes:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish.
Make cheese sauce:
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. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken about 3 4 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
Assemble dish:
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.
Bake covered:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Bake uncovered:
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.
Rest and serve:
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes layered with melted cheese, promising a rich and satisfying Southern flavor. Save to Pinterest
Creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes layered with melted cheese, promising a rich and satisfying Southern flavor. | funcockts.com

This recipe often brings my family together, creating lasting memories and happy bellies.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne or a layer of cooked crumbled bacon. Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Monterey Jack if preferred. Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or BBQ.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

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

Freshly baked cheesy scalloped potatoes, visually enticing with a crisp, golden cheese topping and creamy texture. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked cheesy scalloped potatoes, visually enticing with a crisp, golden cheese topping and creamy texture. | funcockts.com

This classic side is sure to impress and comfort your guests with every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Which potatoes work best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their ability to hold shape while becoming tender and creamy when sliced thinly.

Can I substitute the cheese types used here?

Gruyère can be replaced with Swiss or Monterey Jack for a similar melting quality and mild flavor.

What spices enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce?

Smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper add warmth and depth without overpowering the creamy cheese.

How do I achieve a golden bubbly topping?

Sprinkling additional shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese on top midway through baking helps create a browned, bubbly crust.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and sauce in advance, then cover and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.

What side dishes complement these scalloped potatoes?

This creamy dish pairs excellently with roasted meats, BBQ, or a fresh green salad to balance richness.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of tender potatoes with a rich cheddar and Gruyère cheese sauce for a creamy side dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
75 minutes
Overall Time
95 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Southern American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Facts Meat-Free

What You Need

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)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Baking 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 in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 04

Form Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 05

Add Dairy and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in warmed milk and cream, stirring continuously until smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 06

Incorporate Cheeses: Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

Step 07

Assemble Layers: Pour half the cheese sauce over the first potato layer. Top with remaining potatoes and pour over the remaining cheese sauce evenly.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Add Final Toppings and Bake: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and topping is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Rest and Garnish: Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped 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

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains milk and wheat (gluten). Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 14 g