Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Simple Comfort Dinners

These scalloped potatoes feature tender slices baked in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, milk, cream, and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Onions and garlic add depth, while spices like nutmeg enhance the overall flavor. The dish is layered and baked until bubbly and golden, then garnished with fresh herbs for a delicious, comforting side ideal for festive gatherings or everyday meals.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:40:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese, a comforting casserole. Pin This
Golden, bubbling Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese, a comforting casserole. | messli.com

Ultra-creamy Southern-style scalloped potatoes baked with layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and a velvety sauce. The perfect comfort-food side for any festive meal.

I enjoy this recipe as a hearty side that brings warmth to every festive meal, reminding me of family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • Sauce: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic minced 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded 1 cup (100 g) Gruyère cheese shredded 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese grated
  • Topping: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter cut into small pieces 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese grated 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley chopped (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:
In a large skillet over medium heat melt 4 tbsp butter. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3:
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 4:
Gradually pour in milk and cream whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5:
Stir in salt pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Step 6:
Off the heat add 1 1/2 cups cheddar 3/4 cup Gruyère and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until smooth and melted.
Step 7:
Layer half the sliced potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Pour over half the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Step 8:
Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar Gruyère and Parmesan. Dot with 2 tbsp butter.
Step 9:
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 10:
Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving if desired.
A rich bake of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, creamy layers with melted cheddar, Gruyere, excellent as a side. Pin This
A rich bake of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, creamy layers with melted cheddar, Gruyere, excellent as a side. | messli.com

This dish always brings the family around the table for a comforting meal together.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Large skillet Whisk Sharp knife or mandoline Cutting board Aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (milk butter cheese) and wheat (flour). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 370 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 11 g per serving.

Visual feast: A dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, bubbly and browned, with a creamy, cheesy, delicious sauce. Pin This
Visual feast: A dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, bubbly and browned, with a creamy, cheesy, delicious sauce. | messli.com

Enjoy this rich and creamy side dish as a memorable part of your meal every time.

Recipe Q&A

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to hold shape when baked.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

How do I know when it's fully cooked?

The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden and bubbly.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Gruyère can be swapped for mozzarella for a milder taste, and smoked cheddar adds a deeper flavor profile.

What dishes pair well with this side?

This dish complements ham, roast chicken, or other festive main courses beautifully.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy southern-style scalloped potatoes baked with tender slices, rich cheese, and smooth sauce for a comforting side.

Prep Needed
20 minutes
Time to Cook
75 minutes
Overall Time
95 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Southern American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Potatoes

01 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Sauce

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
05 2 cups whole milk
06 1 cup heavy cream
07 1 tsp salt
08 1/2 tsp black pepper
09 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Cheese

01 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
03 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
02 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
03 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

Make roux: Sprinkle flour over the butter and onion mixture, whisking constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 04

Add dairy and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 05

Season and remove from heat: Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Step 06

Incorporate cheeses: Off the heat, add 1 1/2 cups cheddar, 3/4 cup Gruyère, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until smooth and fully melted.

Step 07

Layer potatoes and sauce: Arrange half the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Step 08

Add cheese topping and butter: Sprinkle remaining cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses on top. Dot with 2 tbsp butter.

Step 09

Bake covered then uncovered: Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

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

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese) and wheat (flour). Not suitable for those with milk, lactose, or gluten intolerance.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 370
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 11 g