This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes and sharp white cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect holiday side dish, a rich, decadent, and foolproof crowd-pleaser.
Jump to RecipeCheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
A classic combination for the ultimate rich and cheesy potato side dish.
- Salted butter, for the baking dish
- 4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 7 medium), peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 12 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
How To Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
A step-by-step guide to this classic comfort food dish.
- Prep and Simmer Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F and butter a 4-quart baking dish. In a large pot, combine the milk, heavy cream, sliced potatoes, thyme, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, until the potatoes are just slightly tender.
- Layer the Casserole: Spoon one-third of the potato and cream mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers once more.
- Final Layer and Bake: Spoon the remaining potato mixture and any leftover cream from the pot over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Broil the Topping and Rest: Remove the foil from the dish and switch the oven to the broil setting. Top the potatoes with the reserved one-third of the cheese and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the dish rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step for the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh chives.

Recipe Tips
For the creamiest, most delicious scalloped potatoes.
- How to get the creamiest sauce? The secret is simmering the potatoes in the cream and milk mixture on the stovetop first. This allows the starches from the potatoes to start thickening the sauce before it even goes into the oven, ensuring a rich, velvety result.
- What are the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes? Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds are the perfect choice. They hold their shape beautifully when sliced and baked, so you get distinct, tender layers rather than a mushy casserole.
- Do I have to grate my own cheese? For the smoothest, most luxurious sauce, it is highly recommended that you grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in starches that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and can result in a grainy texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead holiday side dish. You can assemble and bake the casserole completely (step 3). Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add the final cheese topping and do the broil step right before serving.
What To Serve With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Classic main courses that pair perfectly with this rich side dish.
This decadent potato dish is a holiday and steakhouse favorite. It pairs wonderfully with:
- A perfect roast chicken or holiday ham
- Pan-seared steak or a beef roast
- Simple roasted pork loin
- Steamed green beans or a simple green salad to balance the richness
How To Store Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Keeping your leftovers creamy and delicious.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until warmed through and bubbly.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 40 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are baked in just a cream sauce, while potatoes “au gratin” specifically have a cheese topping. This popular modern version is a delicious hybrid that gives you the best of both worlds—creamy layers and a cheesy top!
With thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Golds, peeling is a matter of personal preference. For the smoothest, most classic and elegant texture, peeling is recommended.
You didn’t do anything wrong! The sauce will thicken up significantly as it cools and rests. Letting the finished dish stand for at least 15-30 minutes before serving is a crucial step that allows the starches to work their magic and the sauce to set up properly.
Try More Recipes:
- Chorizo and Potato Frittata Recipe
- Greek Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Beef Curry with Sweet Potato Noodles Recipe
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: French-AmericanDifficulty: Easy100
servings20
minutes1
hour550
kcalAn incredibly rich and creamy scalloped potato bake with layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, a garlic-thyme cream sauce, and a bubbly, golden-brown broiled cheese crust.
Ingredients
4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Butter for the dish, chives for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 4-quart baking dish.
- In a large pot, combine the milk, cream, sliced potatoes, thyme, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes.
- Spoon one-third of the potato mixture into the prepared dish and top with one-third of the cheese. Repeat the layers once more.
- Top with the remaining potato mixture. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Uncover the dish and switch the oven to broil. Top with the reserved cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish rest for at least 15-30 minutes before garnishing with chives and serving.
Notes
- A mandoline slicer is the best tool for getting uniform, thin potato slices that cook evenly.
- Letting the finished dish rest is a crucial step for the sauce to set up and thicken properly.
- This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for the holidays. Simply reheat and do the final broil step before serving.
- Grating your own cheese from a block will result in the creamiest, smoothest sauce.