Nothing brings warmth to the dinner table quite like a dish of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. This beloved side dish, often found at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and Sunday dinners, combines tender potato slices with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts in every bite.
Whether served alongside roast beef, baked ham, or enjoyed as a standalone comfort food, scalloped potatoes offer the perfect balance of crispy golden edges and a lusciously creamy center. This recipe is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and delivers a nostalgic taste reminiscent of home-cooked meals at grandma’s house.
Let’s dive into making this cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 cup sliced green onions
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyère for extra richness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce on top.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with optional sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish—they are a comforting, nostalgic experience that brings families together. Each forkful is a blend of creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and golden-baked goodness that melts in your mouth. Whether served at holiday feasts or as a cozy weeknight meal, this dish never fails to delight.
So, grab a spoonful, take a bite, and let the flavors transport you back to cherished family dinners.
Enjoy your homemade scalloped potatoes!