These easy cheesy scalloped potatoes are made with tender layers of potatoes in a rich and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. The best comfort food side dish!

Cheesy scalloped potatoes with golden cheesy topping in a baking dish.

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Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

During the holidays, it’s a must to have at least one comforting potato side on the table. Cheesy scalloped potatoes, my easy cheesy potatoes or this classic funeral potato recipe are always crowd favorites.

These scalloped potatoes covered in cheese are always a crowd-pleaser. They are creamy and cheesy with delicious layers of tender potatoes similar to potatoes au gratin. Baked until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top, every bite is to-die-for!

Scalloped Potatoes vs. Au Gratin Potatoes

While these two dishes are very similar, the main difference is that potatoes au gratin adds sliced onions between the layers potatoes and does not add extra cheese between the layers like this recipe for cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Ingredient Notes

Scalloped potato ingredients on countertop, potatoes, cheese, milk, butter, flour and garlic.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes speed up the baking process. I typically will use starchier Russet potatoes since I prefer a creamy scalloped potatoes.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will work.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic is best!
  • Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the dairy mixture and makes a creamier sauce.
  • Milk: Any type of milk will work well with the cheese and flour mixture. I like whole milk or half and half, for a richer, thicker and creamier sauce.
  • Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is what I used. Thick grated cheese is best for a cheesier casserole.
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh thyme, parsley or even Parmesan cheese can be used.

Best Potatoes To Use

For scalloped potatoes, Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice. Russets are starchier, which helps create an extra creamy sauce, while Yukon Golds are naturally buttery and hold their shape nicely. You can use either one or even a mix of both for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat oven to 350°F and butter your baking dish. Thinly slice potatoes, then line half of the potatoes on the bottom of casserole dish.

Sliced potatoes on a cutting board.
Making a cheesy sauce for scalloped potatoes in a saucepan.

To make the roux, in small skillet, melt butter over medium heat and then add in garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes then whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Slowly add milk until smooth, simmer then stir in 3/4 cup cheese until melted.

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and then sprinkle cheese over top (about 1/2 cup). Then line remaining potatoes on top and add remaining sauce and cheese.

Sliced potatoes in baking dish.
Scalloped potatoes assembled in baking dish with cheese on top.

Bake for 50-60 minutes (uncovered) until cheesy scalloped potatoes are fork tender and golden on top.

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a baking dish being served with a wooden serving spoon.

Recipe Tips

  • Use a mandoline: The key is to make sure your potato slices are super thin in this cheesy scalloped potato recipe. Each slice should be about 1/8″ thick.
  • Extra cheesy: For the best taste, grate your own cheddar cheese. When it’s freshly grated, it makes it creamy and bubbly on top.
  • Room temperature milk: When adding milk to the roux to prevent heat shock and possible curdling, bring it to room temperature first before making the cream sauce.
  • Cut down on cooking time: To speed up the cooking time of the cheesy scalloped potatoes, pop them into boiling water to par boil for just a few minutes then drain well.
  • Creamier: Use heavy cream for the best rich tasting cheesy scalloped potatoes!
Close up of cheesy scalloped potatoes in a white baking dish.

Love potato recipes? Try loaded baked potatoes or my cheesy mashed potatoes next!

More Potato Side Dish Recipes

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The best cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

4.97 from 107 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
These easy cheesy scalloped potatoes are made with tender layers of potatoes in a rich and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds potatoes (yukon gold or russet) , thinly sliced (1/8" thick)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups milk , at room temperature
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided
  • chopped thyme, rosemary or herbs , for topping

Instructions

  • Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 8×8" or 7×10" pan. Slice 2 pounds potatoes into 1/8" rounds and then line half of the potatoes on the bottom of the pan. Reserve half the potatoes to add later.
  • Make sauce. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a small sauce pan over medium-heat. Add in 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Whisk 3 Tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Let cook another minute. Turn heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2- 2 cups milk and whisk until smooth. Bring to a light simmer to allow to thicken. Add 1/4 cup more milk to thin the sauce if desired. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheese until melted and remove from heat. 
  • Assemble. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes. Then sprinkle about 1/2 cup cheese over top. Line the remaining potatoes over top. Then add the remaining sauce and cheese over top.
  • Bake. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender an the top is golden brown.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

  • If you like your potatoes with onions, add 1/2 cup chopped onions when cooking the butter. Then cook 2-3 minutes. 
  • You can also turn this into a meal by adding leftover chopped crockpot ham to the middle layer. 
  • Add a little crunch by adding 4 pieces cooked bacon crumbles on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 547mg, Potassium: 556mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 535IU, Vitamin C: 13.1mg, Calcium: 291mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Thinly sliced onions: Add ½ cup chopped onions when cooking the butter if you like extra flavor.
  • Cheese: Swap in your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère.
  • Make it a meal: Stir in leftover chopped baked ham for scalloped potatoes and ham.
  • Slow cooker method: Assemble as directed, then cook in a greased slow cooker on low for 7–8 hours.
  • Sweet potatoes: Try making savory scalloped sweet potatoes for a savory twist.

FAQs

What if the potatoes aren’t tender when the baking time is done?

Sometimes scalloped potatoes need a little extra time in the oven to soften fully. If the cheese has already browned but the potatoes are still firm, simply cover the dish back up with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments until they’re tender.

Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the potatoes, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate overnight. Before serving, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until tender and bubbly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to keep the sauce from separating.

Can you freeze scalloped potatoes?

I don’t recommend freezing, since the creamy sauce and potatoes can change texture once thawed.