Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ultra Creamy

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This dish features thinly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a luscious blend of milk, heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and Gruyère cheeses. A seasoned white sauce seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper adds depth, while onions layer throughout for sweetness. Baked until tender and golden, it’s an ideal comforting side for holidays or family gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with a thick, creamy sauce, ready for serving. Save
Golden, bubbly Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with a thick, creamy sauce, ready for serving. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A rich, decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.

This dish has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together with its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded, 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • Pantry & Spices: 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste), ½ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Melt Butter & Make Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
Add Milk & Cream:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3 5 minutes.
Season Sauce:
Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese:
Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Layer Potatoes and Onions:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
Add Cheese Sauce:
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest and Garnish:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
A close-up of a casserole dish filled with the decadent, layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Save
A close-up of a casserole dish filled with the decadent, layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This recipe sparks family gatherings like no other, filling the kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas that everyone eagerly awaits.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, saucepan, whisk, chef's knife, mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices), aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour). For gluten-free substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Always check cheese labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 per serving, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 10 g

Warm, comforting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with melted cheese, perfect for a special family meal. Save
Warm, comforting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with melted cheese, perfect for a special family meal. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to impress at any dinner table and become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.

Recipe FAQ

What potatoes work best for scalloped layers?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold shape well and develop a tender texture when baked.

Can I substitute the cheeses used in the dish?

Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Monterey Jack or mozzarella to adjust flavor and meltability.

How can I make the sauce thicker and creamier?

Whisking flour into melted butter before adding milk and cream helps thicken the sauce; cooking it until bubbly ensures proper consistency.

What spices enhance the flavor without overpowering?

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper add balanced seasoning and warmth.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it beforehand and refrigerate; bake just before serving for fresh, golden results.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ultra Creamy

Tender potatoes layered with creamy cheese sauce for a rich, comforting Southern side dish.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
75 mins
Complete Time
95 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Southern American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 2.5 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

01 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
04 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Make roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly without browning.

Step 03

Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stir constantly until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 04

Incorporate cheeses: Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth.

Step 05

Assemble layers: Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the baking dish. Top evenly with half of the sliced onions.

Step 06

Add sauce and repeat layering: Pour half of the cheese sauce over potatoes and onions. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onions, then pour the remaining cheese sauce on top.

Step 07

Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly across the top.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the surface is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

Rest and garnish: Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.

Tools Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Mandoline slicer (optional for uniform potato slices)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten from flour).
  • Use gluten-free flour substitution for gluten intolerance.
  • Check cheese labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 350
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 10 g