Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce

Introduction

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or weeknight meals. The creamy sauce seeps between the layers of potatoes, while the melted cheese on top creates a savory, bubbling crust. This dish is both indulgent and comforting, offering warm, hearty flavors in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes simple ingredients—potatoes, cheese, and cream—and transforms them into a rich, comforting dish that everyone loves. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every slice of potato, and the baked topping gets golden and slightly crispy. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and indulgent without being overly complicated to make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it elevates ordinary potatoes into a decadent, flavorful side dish. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for almost any occasion. The creamy sauce and tender layers of potatoes make it a standout dish on any dinner table, while the golden cheesy topping adds visual appeal and irresistible flavor.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: Approximately 350–400 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer sliced potatoes evenly.
3. In a saucepan, heat butter, garlic, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until warm.
4. Pour sauce over potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick) for even cooking.
3. Make Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir and heat until warm, but do not boil.
4. Layer Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all potatoes are layered.
5. Pour Sauce: Pour the warm cream sauce over the layered potatoes, ensuring it seeps through the layers.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Rest & Serve: Let the dish rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Serve warm as a side dish to roasted meats, poultry, ham, or vegetables. It pairs beautifully with green beans, salad, or cranberry sauce for holiday dinners.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use uniform potato slices for even cooking.
• Russet potatoes give a fluffier texture, while Yukon gold is creamier.
• Don’t skip the resting step; it helps the sauce thicken slightly.
• Add extra cheese for a richer, indulgent flavor.

Variations

• Bacon & Onion: Add cooked bacon bits and sautéed onions between layers.
• Herb Variation: Add thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cream sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce.
• Cheese Mix: Use Gruyère, Fontina, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: Assemble unbaked or fully bake and cool. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Saucepan for cream sauce
• Knife or mandoline slicer
• Wooden spoon or whisk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, but cooking time may vary slightly.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding extra 10–15 minutes to cooking time.

Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, omit any flour if used in variations or ensure cheeses are gluten-free.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, thinly sliced onions or leeks can be layered with the potatoes for added flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce is a classic, indulgent, and comforting dish that turns simple potatoes into a creamy, cheesy, golden delight. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables. The creamy layers and golden cheese topping make it irresistible, while its easy preparation ensures that even busy cooks can achieve a delicious, crowd-pleasing result. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, making this recipe a must-try for comfort food lovers.