If you have ever craved a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that hugs you from the inside, look no further than this Homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Recipe. It’s a classic casserole that transforms simple russet potatoes into layers of luscious, cheesy goodness, perfectly blended with a rich cream sauce. Every bite is velvety smooth with just the right amount of seasoning and a golden, bubbly top that’s irresistible. Whether served for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure delight to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—this dish is wonderfully simple, and each ingredient plays an essential role. From the creamy heavy cream that creates a silky sauce to the sharp cheddar cheese that gives everything a flavorful punch, these elements come together to make magic in every bite.
- 1/4 cup butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps sauté the onions to tender sweetness.
- 1 onion (thinly sliced): Adds a subtle savory depth that mellows beautifully when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just a touch of warmth to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle kick and complexity without making the dish spicy.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 5 cloves garlic (smashed and minced): Adds a wonderful aroma and subtle punch to the sauce.
- 6 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to the ideal luscious consistency.
- 4 cups heavy cream: The star of the recipe, creating unbeatable smoothness and richness.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded): Imparts a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the cheesiness.
- 4 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and sliced to 1/8 inch): The heart of the dish, with a creamy texture perfect for baking.
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded and divided in half): Melts beautifully to crown the dish with golden, gooey layers.
How to Make Homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your scalloped potatoes won’t stick and will bake evenly with a perfect crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced onions. Cook until translucent, about 4–6 minutes. This builds the foundational flavor of the sauce, lending sweetness and depth that you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 3: Season the Onion Mixture
Add kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme to the sautéed onions. These spices gently enhance the flavor profile and add mild complexity without overpowering the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the smashed and minced garlic cloves, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic infuses the dish with a subtle savory note that uplifts the entire casserole.
Step 5: Make the Roux
Gradually sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly, forming a thick paste with the onions. Cooking the flour briefly removes its raw taste and is key to creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 6: Slowly Incorporate the Cream
Whisk in the heavy cream slowly over medium heat, adding it a little at a time to prevent lumps. This slow process ensures a silky, lump-free sauce that beautifully coats each potato slice.
Step 7: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese slowly and stir until melted. This sharp, nutty cheese enhances the creamy base, boosting flavor and richness.
Step 8: Slice the Potatoes
Peel and slice the russet potatoes to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mandolin or food processor slicer is a lifesaver here, making each slice uniformly thin for even cooking. Submerge slices in water if needed to stop browning, then drain well.
Step 9: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
Add the sliced potatoes to the cream sauce and gently stir over medium heat, cooking for 10 minutes while being careful not to break the slices. This pre-cooking softens the potatoes slightly and helps them absorb the cheesy, creamy flavors.
Step 10: Layer and Cheese It Up
Pour half of the potato mixture into your casserole dish and sprinkle with half of the sharp cheddar cheese. Spread the remaining potato mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese. These layers guarantee cheesy, bubbly goodness in every forkful.
Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 400 degrees for around 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If the cheese browns too fast but the potatoes aren’t tender yet, loosely cover with foil to finish cooking. A perfectly baked scalloped potato dish will have a beautifully browned crust with tender, flavorful layers inside.
Step 12: Let It Rest
Allow the scalloped potatoes to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This resting time lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier, ensuring every slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a mild onion-like flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. For a bit of extra indulgence, a small pat of butter melting on top right before serving adds a luscious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like ham, chicken, or steak, balancing the rich potatoes with savory proteins. For a lighter contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs for an elegant touch. Alternatively, consider layering with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between the potatoes to elevate the flavors even more and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the comforting flavors without having to prepare a whole new batch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick meal or bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes with a little extra cheese on top to restore its delightful crispy crust. This method brings back that just-baked magic that makes scalloped potatoes so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy consistency.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
This is a matter of preference. Peeling ensures a silky texture that blends seamlessly with the sauce, but leaving the skin on adds rustic texture and nutrients. Just make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly if you opt to keep the skin.
What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?
Using a mandolin slicer or a food processor with a slicing attachment is your best bet for uniform 1/8 inch slices. This ensures even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a mixture of milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor will be different. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk but expect the sauce to be less rich and creamy.
Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge to ensure the potatoes cook through fully.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Recipe is the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any table. I encourage you to try it soon and discover just how effortless and rewarding making scalloped potatoes at home can be. Get ready to fall in love with this cozy classic all over again!
