Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Comfort Plates

These ultra creamy scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce made from butter, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. The layered dish is baked until tender and topped with melted cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. Ideal as a comforting side for holidays or Sunday meals, it delivers a savory and flavorful experience with a hint of smoked paprika and fresh chives.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:59:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly, and cheesy: a close-up of baked cheesy scalloped potatoes, ready to eat. Save
Golden, bubbly, and cheesy: a close-up of baked cheesy scalloped potatoes, ready to eat. | tastychuck.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 recipe has been a family favorite at every gathering I've hosted. It's always the first dish to disappear from the table.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5:
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 3 4 minutes).
Step 6:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
Step 8:
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.
Step 9:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 10:
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.
Step 11:
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
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This dish has brought warmth and smiles to my family's holiday dinners. It's a comfort food that everyone loves sharing.

Required Tools

9x13-inch baking dish, large saucepan, whisk, knife and cutting board, foil, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten from flour). Individuals with allergies should verify all ingredient labels before use.

Nutritional Information

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

A baking dish overflowing with creamy, layered cheesy scalloped potatoes, perfect for a family meal. Save
A baking dish overflowing with creamy, layered cheesy scalloped potatoes, perfect for a family meal. | tastychuck.com

With these steps and tips, you'll enjoy perfectly creamy scalloped potatoes every time.

Recipe Guide

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best due to their texture and ability to hold shape while absorbing flavors.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, Gruyère can be substituted with Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor.

How do I achieve a creamy cheese sauce?

Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in warm milk and cream before adding cheeses for a smooth sauce.

Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?

Covering for the first 45 minutes helps the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture before uncovering to brown the top.

Can I add extra flavor?

Adding a pinch of cayenne or crumbled cooked bacon adds depth and a touch of heat to the dish.

What pairs well with this side?

Roasted meats or BBQ dishes complement the rich, cheesy potatoes wonderfully.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Comforting scalloped potatoes layered with creamy cheddar and Gruyère cheese and baked golden brown.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
75 min
Full duration
95 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Medium

Heritage Southern American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll 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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Layer first potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish.

Phase 03

Cook aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Phase 04

Make roux: Sprinkle flour into the saucepan and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.

Phase 05

Add dairy liquids: Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 06

Season sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Phase 07

Incorporate cheeses: Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and sauce is smooth.

Phase 08

Assemble layers: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first potato layer. Top with remaining sliced potatoes, then pour remaining cheese sauce evenly over.

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Add topping and finish baking: Remove foil. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and topping is golden and bubbly.

Phase 11

Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 14 g