Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Cheesy, Creamy & Baked

Looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight? This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is rich, creamy, golden, and totally irresistible. Whether it’s the star of your holiday table or paired with a weeknight roast, it always delivers that cozy, soul-satisfying bite.

With layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a velvety cheese sauce, this dish is:

Comforting and indulgent without being too fussy
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and celebrations
Easy to customize — add ham, garlic, or switch up the cheese
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

It’s not just a side — it’s the kind of dish that has people coming back for seconds before the main course even lands.

Check out our rich beef stew

Perfect for Holidays, Potlucks, and Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy scalloped potatoes recipe is the MVP of any comfort food lineup. They hold their own next to roasted turkey, glazed ham, grilled chicken, or even a simple green salad. And they reheat like a dream, meaning leftovers are never wasted.

Serve this with our Classic Meatloaf, Chicken and Dumplings, or Easy Baked Mac and Cheese for a full comfort spread.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something extra special for dinner tonight, these scalloped potatoes are your answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Creamy, Cheesy Dish

Ingredients for scalloped potatoes recipe — Simple pantry staples are all you need for this classic side

This Scalloped potatoes recipe are all about simple ingredients coming together to create rich, creamy magic. With just the right technique and layering, you’ll have a side dish that’s equal parts cheesy comfort and golden perfection.

Best Potatoes for Scalloped Texture

Not all potatoes are created equal — especially when you’re baking them in layers.

Yukon Gold

Buttery flavor
Holds shape well without turning mushy
Great for scalloped or au gratin recipes

Russet

Super starchy and absorbent
Delivers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth result
Slightly more delicate (may break apart if overcooked)

Pro Tip: Use a 50/50 blend of Russet and Yukon for the ideal texture — creamy and structured.

Cheese Choices That Melt Perfectly

While traditional scalloped potatoes don’t always include cheese, we’re making the cheesy version — because why not?

Best Melting Cheeses:

Sharp cheddar – Bold flavor + melty texture
Gruyère – Nutty, melty, and upscale
Mozzarella – Gooey factor for stretch and softness
Parmesan – For topping and depth

Want to dial it up? Try a blend of cheddar + Gruyère, or add a little Monterey Jack for smooth creaminess.

Optional Add-Ins: Garlic, Herbs & Ham

Customize your casserole with these flavorful extras:

Garlic – Sautéed or infused in cream
Fresh thyme or rosemary – Adds herby, earthy depth
Diced ham or bacon – Turns this into a full one-dish meal
Shallots or caramelized onions – Rich and sweet-savory

Want to use leftovers? Fold in chopped ham from your holiday roast or even rotisserie chicken for a next-day transformation.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Potatoes

Peel 2½ to 3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them thin — about ⅛-inch thick
Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly

You don’t need to soak the potatoes — the starch helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux Base)

In a saucepan over medium heat:

Melt 4 tablespoons butter
Whisk in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour to make a roux
Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream
Stir until thickened and smooth — about 5–7 minutes
Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, etc.)
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg

Sauce should be pourable but not runny — thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

In a greased 9×13 baking dish:

Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom
Add a layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping
Spoon more sauce over the layer
Repeat until all potatoes and sauce are used
Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top (Parmesan works great!)

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes
Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden

Insert a knife into the center — if it slides through easily, your potatoes are done.

Optional Step 5: Let It Rest

Let the dish sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Turn It Into a One-Pan Meal

Scalloped potatoes + ham = a balanced dinner all on its own. Here’s how to make it even more satisfying:

Add chopped steamed broccoli or spinach for some greens
Stir in sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra texture
Use it as a base for a fried egg and hot sauce — great for brunch leftovers!

Looking for a specific recipe? This version doubles as a Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe — AllRecipes does a great classic take.

Leftover Ideas You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Scalloped Potato Frittata – chop and bake into an egg dish
Savory breakfast hash – fry with eggs and herbs in a skillet
Reheat + top with crispy bacon or green onions
Mini casseroles – pack into ramekins and bake with extra cheese on top

These potatoes store well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you can freeze them (see FAQ coming soon!).

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes Variation

Want the same cheesy comfort without turning on the oven? This Crockpot scalloped potatoes recipe is your best friend for busy days, potlucks, or keeping the oven free during the holidays.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients: Same as the stovetop version

Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW

Instructions:

Lightly grease the inside of the Crockpot insert
Layer sliced potatoes and sauce just like in a casserole dish
Optional: mix in diced ham, garlic, or fresh herbs
Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender
In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top and cover slightly ajar to melt it without condensation

For crispier tops, you can transfer to a broiler-safe dish and brown under the oven broiler for 3–4 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Yes, this recipe can absolutely be made ahead!

To prep in advance:

Assemble everything (sliced potatoes, sauce, and layers) in your casserole dish
Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours
Let come to room temp for 30 mins before baking
Bake as directed

To reheat leftovers:

Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 25–30 minutes
Or microwave individual servings with a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture

Freezer Tips

Scalloped potatoes can be frozen, though the texture may soften slightly.

How to freeze:

Cool completely
Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container
Freeze up to 2 months

To reheat from frozen:

Thaw overnight in the fridge
Bake covered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes

Want crispy edges again? Remove foil in the last 10 minutes.

FAQs About Scalloped Potatoes Recipes

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bring to room temp before baking to ensure even cooking.

What’s the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes use a cream-based sauce, while au gratin typically includes breadcrumbs and more cheese on top.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Yes — after baking and cooling completely, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with a splash of cream for best results.

How do I keep scalloped potatoes from curdling or drying out?

Use heavy cream or whole milk, avoid high oven temps, and cover during the first part of baking. Stirring cheese into a cooked roux-based sauce prevents separation.

Can I make scalloped potatoes without cheese?

Absolutely! Just use a seasoned cream or milk-based sauce. Try adding garlic, herbs, or onions for flavor.

Here’s a cheese-free scalloped potato recipe from Simply Recipes.

Can I make scalloped potatoes with ham?

Yes — just add 1 to 2 cups diced cooked ham between the layers. It’s a great way to use leftovers and turn the dish into a main course.

What’s the best cheese for scalloped potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère, Parmesan, or a blend (cheddar + mozzarella) create a rich and melty sauce.

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A recipe for scalloped potatoes?

Yes — our cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe includes thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a rich roux-based cheese sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly.

For a classic version without cheese, see Simply Recipes’ Scalloped Potatoes.

A good recipe for scalloped potatoes?

A great scalloped potato recipe uses a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese, layered with thinly sliced potatoes, then baked to perfection. Ours includes sharp cheddar and heavy cream for extra richness and flavor.

A recipe for scalloped potatoes and ham?

Absolutely! Add 1–2 cups of diced cooked ham between potato layers before baking. It turns this side into a hearty main dish — perfect for repurposing leftover holiday ham.

Here’s a well-reviewed version from AllRecipes.

A scalloped potato recipe?

This one’s it! Our recipe includes:

2½–3 lbs of thinly sliced potatoes
Homemade cheese sauce with sharp cheddar
Garlic, thyme, and optional ham
Baked at 375°F until bubbly and golden

It’s easy, satisfying, and great for holidays or comfort food nights.

How to make scalloped potatoes recipe?

Slice potatoes ⅛” thick
Make a roux with butter + flour
Add milk and cheese to create the sauce
Layer potatoes and sauce in a baking dish
Bake covered, then uncover to brown

Full instructions are in our step-by-step guide above.

What is a good recipe for scalloped potatoes?

A good scalloped potato recipe includes:

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
A creamy milk or cream-based sauce
Cheese (optional but recommended)
Slow, even baking for tender layers

Prefer no cheese? Try this Food Network scalloped potatoes recipe.

What is the best scalloped potato recipe?

The best recipes balance texture, richness, and flavor. This one uses:

A butter-flour roux
Rich cream and sharp cheddar
Thin-sliced potatoes for even cooking
A crispy top with melty layers underneath

For a French twist, try Potatoes au Gratin by NYT Cooking.

What is the recipe for scalloped potatoes?

At its core, scalloped potatoes are:

Potatoes sliced thin
Layered with a savory béchamel sauce
Topped with cheese (optional)
Baked until tender and bubbling

Our version adds extra cheese and a golden finish for maximum comfort factor.

A good scalloped potato recipe?

This one’s a crowd-pleaser — rich, creamy, and incredibly versatile. Use cheddar and Gruyère for depth, or toss in ham and onions for an all-in-one meal.

Don’t forget to serve this with our Classic Meatloaf, Chicken and Dumplings, or Easy Baked Mac and Cheese for a full comfort menu.

Why This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Is a Must-Make Side