Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This Southern-style dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, combined with a creamy sauce made from milk, cream, and butter. Aromatics like onion and garlic build depth of flavor, enhanced with smoked paprika and cayenne for a subtle kick. It’s baked until tender and golden, then garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Ideal as a hearty side for any gathering.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:33:59 GMT
Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling in a baking dish, ready for a comforting side. Save
Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling in a baking dish, ready for a comforting side. | kookycrunch.com

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish, boasting ultra creamy, Southern-style layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with sharp cheddar cheese. This hearty dish brings warmth and indulgence to any meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends on special occasions or simply when you want to enjoy a satisfying treat.

Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling in a baking dish, ready for a comforting side. Save
Golden brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling in a baking dish, ready for a comforting side. | kookycrunch.com

Whether you're new to Southern cooking or a longtime fan, these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes deliver a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 2 kg (about 4.5 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Stir in flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar, all the Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
9. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für einen zusätzlichen Geschmackskick können Sie zwischen den Kartoffelschichten gekochten, zerbröselten Speck einstreuen. Wenn Sie Russet-Kartoffeln verwenden, weichen Sie die Scheiben vorab 10 Minuten in kaltem Wasser ein und tupfen Sie diese trocken, um überschüssige Stärke zu entfernen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Probieren Sie statt Cheddar auch einmal Gruyère oder Monterey Jack, um dem Gericht eine andere Geschmacksnote zu verleihen. Die optional hinzugegebene Cayennepfeffer sorgt für eine dezente Schärfe, kann aber nach Belieben weggelassen werden.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Käsigen Gratinkartoffeln sind eine perfekte Beilage zu gegrilltem Fleisch, Braten oder einem frischen gemischten Salat. Lassen Sie das Gericht vor dem Servieren 10–15 Minuten ruhen, damit sich die Aromen setzen und die Schichten fester werden.

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| kookycrunch.com

Dieses Rezept für Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bringt Geschmack, Komfort und Geselligkeit auf den Tisch. Genießen Sie die cremige Käsesauce und zarten Kartoffelschichten, die die Essenz der südlichen Küche in jedem Bissen einfangen.

Recipe FAQ

What type of potatoes works best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to hold layers well when baked.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?

Yes, Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be used for a different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

How do the spices affect the flavor?

The smoked paprika adds a mild smoky depth, while cayenne pepper offers optional heat, balancing the rich cheese and cream sauce.

What is the purpose of soaking Russet potatoes before use?

Soaking Russet slices in cold water removes excess starch, preventing them from becoming gluey and helping achieve a tender texture.

How should I prepare the sauce to avoid lumps?

Cook the flour briefly in butter, then gradually whisk in milk and cream off heat to prevent lumps, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Southern-style scalloped potatoes with cheddar cheese and creamy sauce, perfect as a rich, comforting side.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
75 min
Complete duration
95 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Medium

Heritage Southern American

Output 8 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Potatoes

01 4.5 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics & Seasonings

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook Aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Phase 03

Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 04

Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Phase 05

Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

Phase 06

Assemble Layers: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Phase 07

Add Topping: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, then bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until top is golden and potatoes are tender.

Phase 10

Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter, and gluten (flour).
  • Not suitable for dairy- or gluten-free diets.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 13 g