Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become absolute staples in your household. For me, Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is one of those dishes. From chaotic weeknight dinners to more relaxed weekend gatherings, this recipe has consistently been a crowd-pleaser. Honestly, I stumbled upon it years ago when I needed a comforting side dish that wasn’t too fussy, and it’s been in regular rotation ever since. The creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender slices of potato is just pure comfort food magic. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour it without a second thought, and even my more ‘foodie’ friends are always impressed by its deliciousness, often asking for the recipe. What I love most is its versatility; it’s elegant enough for a holiday dinner yet simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday night. If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying, then you absolutely have to try this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Prepare to be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly delicious!

Ingredients for the Best Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

To create this comforting and flavorful dish, you’ll need just a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh, quality components to deliver maximum taste. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs, Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and thinly sliced. Potatoes are the star of the show! Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, while Russets are starchier and hold their shape well. Choose whichever you prefer or a mix for a balanced result. Thin slicing is key for even cooking and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced. Onion adds a subtle savory depth to the dish. Thinly slicing ensures it cooks through and melds seamlessly with the potatoes and sauce, adding flavor without overpowering.
• Butter: 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons), unsalted. Butter is the foundation of our rich sauce. It provides flavor and helps to create a smooth, velvety texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup. Flour is the thickening agent for our creamy sauce. It helps to create a luscious, velvety texture that coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Milk: 3 cups, whole milk preferred. Milk is the liquid base of the sauce, contributing to its creaminess and richness. Whole milk offers the best flavor and texture, but 2% can be used as a lighter alternative.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Heavy cream adds an extra layer of richness and luxuriousness to the sauce. It elevates the dish from simply creamy to decadently so.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust, tangy flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. Shredding ensures it melts evenly into the sauce, creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
• Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons, or to taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is crucial for bringing out the best in the potatoes and cheese. Season to your preference.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream. Season to your preference.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley: For garnish, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish. It’s optional but recommended for visual appeal and a touch of brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key to success lies in following the steps carefully and allowing each element to contribute to the overall flavor and texture. Let’s walk through each step to create your perfect Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes and Onions

Begin by prepping your vegetables. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for even cooking and flavor distribution.

1. Peel the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and peel your 2.5 pounds of potatoes. Whether you choose Yukon Gold or Russet, ensure they are clean and free of any blemishes. Peeling ensures a smoother texture in the final dish, though some prefer to leave the skin on for added nutrients and a rustic feel (though this recipe is traditionally made with peeled potatoes).
2. Thinly Slice the Potatoes: The key to perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes is thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/8 inch thick. You can achieve this using a mandoline for consistent thickness and speed, or carefully use a sharp knife. If using a knife, take your time and try to keep the slices as uniform as possible for even cooking. Slicing thinly allows the potatoes to cook through in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy, and ensures they absorb the flavors beautifully.
3. Slice the Onion: Peel and thinly slice the medium yellow onion. Similar to the potatoes, aim for thin slices. Thinly sliced onions will soften and become sweet as they cook, infusing the sauce with a subtle savory flavor without being overpowering.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

The heart of this dish is the luscious cheese sauce. This step involves creating a simple roux-based sauce that forms the creamy base for our scalloped potatoes.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and shimmer slightly, but be careful not to let it brown.
2. Whisk in the Flour: Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Whisk constantly and vigorously to combine the butter and flour into a smooth paste, known as a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps to thicken the sauce properly. The roux should become slightly fragrant and pale golden in color.
3. Gradually Add the Milk: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the milk in a steady stream, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the roux before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and is smooth.
4. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce. Stir to combine. The heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
5. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that the cheese will also add saltiness, so season cautiously at this stage.
6. Melt in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Ensure the cheese is fully incorporated and melted for a perfectly smooth sauce. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added, as this can cause it to become grainy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

Now it’s time to layer everything together and get those potatoes baking to golden perfection.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and makes for easier cleanup.
2. Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Distribute about half of the sliced onions evenly over the potato layer.
3. Pour Sauce and Repeat Layers: Pour about half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions. Repeat the layers: add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining onions, and then pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all potatoes are coated in the sauce. The sauce should come up to almost the top of the potatoes, but not completely submerge them.
4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam and allows the potatoes to cook through and become tender without drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
5. Bake Uncovered to Brown: After 60 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Baking uncovered at a higher temperature helps to achieve that beautiful golden crust on top.
6. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Resting also makes it easier to serve the potatoes without them falling apart.
7. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!

Nutrition Facts for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts for a serving of Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup. This recipe generally yields about 8-10 servings, depending on portion sizes.
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of milk and cheese used, as well as serving size.
• Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving. The fat content comes primarily from the butter, heavy cream, and cheese, contributing to the richness and flavor of the dish.
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams per serving. Saturated fat is a significant portion of the total fat due to the dairy ingredients.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are mainly from the potatoes and flour in the sauce.
• Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams per serving. Protein comes from the milk, cheese, and potatoes.

It’s important to remember that Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a rich and indulgent dish, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can adjust the recipe to be slightly lighter by using 2% milk instead of whole milk, and a reduced-fat cheddar cheese, but this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Preparation Time for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

One of the great things about this recipe is its relatively straightforward preparation process. Here’s a breakdown of the time you can expect to spend making Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

• Prep Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes. This includes peeling and slicing the potatoes and onion, shredding the cheese (if not using pre-shredded), and making the cheese sauce. The most time-consuming part is typically slicing the potatoes, especially if doing it by hand. Using a mandoline can significantly reduce prep time.
• Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes. This includes 1 hour of baking covered, and an additional 20-30 minutes of baking uncovered to achieve a golden brown top and ensure the potatoes are fully cooked through. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to check for tenderness with a fork.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes – 1 hour 55 minutes. From start to finish, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 40 minutes to just under 2 hours creating this comforting side dish. While it’s not a quick 30-minute meal, most of the time is hands-off baking time, allowing you to attend to other tasks while the potatoes are in the oven.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Their creamy, cheesy richness makes them a perfect accompaniment to many main courses and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Classic Side Dish:
  • Roast Chicken or Turkey: Scalloped potatoes are a timeless pairing with roasted poultry. The creamy potatoes complement the savory, juicy meat beautifully.
  • Baked Ham: The richness of scalloped potatoes balances the saltiness of baked ham, making for a harmonious and satisfying meal.
  • Beef Tenderloin or Steak: For a more elegant meal, serve scalloped potatoes alongside beef tenderloin or a grilled steak. The creamy potatoes provide a luxurious side to the tender beef.
  • Pork Chops or Roast Pork: Scalloped potatoes are also delicious with pork. They pair well with both pan-fried pork chops and roasted pork loins.
• For Holiday Gatherings:
  • Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner: Scalloped potatoes are a popular and comforting addition to holiday feasts. They are a welcome alternative to mashed potatoes and offer a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Easter Brunch or Dinner: Their creamy richness makes them a delightful side for Easter celebrations, complementing ham or lamb dishes.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course (with additions):
  • Add Vegetables: For a heartier vegetarian meal, consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts directly into the scalloped potatoes before baking.
  • Serve with a Salad: Pair a generous serving of scalloped potatoes with a fresh green salad to balance the richness and add some lightness to the meal.
• Serving Tips:
  • Serve Hot: Scalloped potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the oven. Their creamy texture and cheesy flavor are most appealing when warm.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. You could also add a dusting of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor and visual appeal.
  • Portion Size: Scalloped potatoes are rich, so a moderate serving size is usually sufficient as a side dish.

Additional Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

To ensure your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a resounding success every time, here are some additional tips and tricks:

1. Potato Variety Matters: While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are recommended, other varieties like red potatoes can also be used. Red potatoes have a slightly waxy texture and hold their shape well, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Experiment to find your preferred potato for this dish.
2. Don’t Rinse the Potatoes: Unlike some potato recipes, you don’t need to rinse the sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes. The starch in the potatoes helps to thicken the sauce naturally and contributes to the creamy texture.
3. Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere adds a nutty and complex flavor, Monterey Jack offers a milder, meltier cheese, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan can create a richer, more savory cheese sauce.
4. Spice it Up: For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements creamy dishes, while cayenne pepper provides a gentle kick of heat.
5. Garlic Infusion: For garlic lovers, sauté a clove or two of minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour for the sauce. This infuses the sauce with a delicious garlic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
6. Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time, up to a day in advance. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if starting from cold.
7. Storing Leftovers: Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. They may lose some of their creaminess upon reheating, but they will still be delicious.
8. Broiling for Extra Browning: If you want an even more golden brown and bubbly top, you can broil the scalloped potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch them closely to prevent burning, as broilers can heat very quickly. This step is optional but adds a nice visual appeal and slightly crispy top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some common questions you might have when making Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

Q1: Can I use milk other than whole milk?
A1: Yes, you can use 2% milk or even skim milk if you prefer a lighter version. However, whole milk will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Using lower-fat milk might result in a slightly less creamy sauce.

Q2: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A2: Yes, pre-shredded cheese is convenient and can be used. However, freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly as it doesn’t contain cellulose, which is often added to pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping. For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheese from a block.

Q3: My sauce is lumpy, what did I do wrong?
A3: Lumpy sauce is usually caused by adding the milk too quickly to the roux or not whisking vigorously enough. To avoid lumps, add the milk gradually and whisk continuously as you pour. If your sauce is already lumpy, try whisking it very vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth it out. You can also strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A4: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like ham, cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. Layer them between the potatoes or mix them into the potato layers before pouring the sauce over. Adjust baking time as needed if adding denser vegetables.

Q5: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A5: The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Check for tenderness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish. If the fork goes in easily without resistance, the potatoes are cooked through. The top should also be golden brown and bubbly.

Q6: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A6: Yes, you can assemble the scalloped potatoes up to a day ahead of time. Prepare the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. This is a great dish to prep ahead for busy weeknights or holidays.

Q7: Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
A7: While you can freeze scalloped potatoes, the texture may change upon thawing and reheating. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes become grainy after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze them, ensure they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: To make this recipe gluten-free, you need to substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent. If using cornstarch, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold milk to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce instead of the flour roux. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if necessary.

Enjoy making and sharing this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and deliciousness to any meal.

Print