Creamy and Cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—a bubbling casserole of tender, thinly sliced potatoes drenched in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. What makes this dish a perennial crowd-pleaser is its layers of rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or as a hearty side any night of the week, this Creamy and Cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

The Secrets to Extra Creamy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe takes classic scalloped potatoes to the next level by balancing ultra-creamy béchamel sauce with savory, melty cheese. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are sliced extra thin to bake evenly and absorb every drop of the decadent sauce.
By using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, you’ll get a well-rounded, deeply flavorful cheese pull in every bite.

For perfectly uniform potato slices (crucial for even cooking), consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. It saves time and ensures professional-looking results.

Crafting the Ultimate Cheese Sauce

Begin by making a classic béchamel: butter, flour, and milk gently simmered until thickened. Fold in your cheeses and seasonings, stirring until smooth and glossy. This sauce infuses every potato layer with velvety, cheesy goodness—rich yet never heavy.

When assembling, arrange the potatoes in neatly overlapping layers and pour the sauce evenly over the top, ensuring every slice is coated.

Effortless Prep and Clean Up Tips

Line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for prepping potatoes and onions—it keeps your workspace organized and safe from knife marks.

While traditional scalloped potatoes are oven-baked, you can finish the gratin in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch under a broiler for an extra-crispy cheese top.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These potatoes are the perfect match for a roasted chicken, holiday ham, or a vibrant green salad. Serve them directly from the baking dish or portion them out into a Bentgo Salad Container for packed lunches or meal prep.

For entertaining, set out your casserole on a festive table runner and let guests spoon out their portions—each bite will leave them asking for your secret!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves about 8 as a generous side dish. Each serving comes in around 340 calories, with plenty of protein and calcium thanks to the hearty cheese and milk. It’s an occasional indulgence that brings comfort and nostalgia to any meal.

Creamy and Cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Recap)

Layers of tender, thin-sliced potatoes melded with a creamy, cheesy sauce make this scalloped potatoes recipe a showstopper. Simple steps, easy prep, and big flavors ensure it’ll be the best scalloped potato dish at any table—every single time.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless serving and cleanup.
2. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, slice potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds for even baking. Set aside. Thinly slice the onion as well.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, whisking constantly. Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking to eliminate lumps. Continue to cook, stirring continuously, until sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg (if using) until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Arrange half the potato slices in overlapping layers in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions and half of the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. For an even crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Remove from the oven (use a KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for safety). Let cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped chives or parsley and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Enjoy these Creamy and Cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes—the side dish guaranteed to steal the show at your table.