Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Creamy

Featured in: Main Dishes

This Southern-style casserole features thinly sliced potatoes layered with onions and baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. The buttery sauce is seasoned with garlic, paprika, and pepper, creating a luscious texture and comforting flavor. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish makes a delightful side for holidays or family dinners and is perfect for sharing.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:01:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes simmering in a baking dish, a classic comforting side dish. Save
Golden-brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes simmering in a baking dish, a classic comforting side dish. | cheerfulchefs.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 recipe has always been a hit at family gatherings and never fails to bring comfort and smiles.

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 the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter
Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter Add the flour and whisk continuously for 12 minutes until bubbly but not browned
Add Milk and Cream:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream Continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 35 minutes
Season the 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
Pour 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
Add Topping:
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 2530 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving
Bubbling hot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, creamy and cheesy; ready to serve alongside a roast. Save
Bubbling hot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, creamy and cheesy; ready to serve alongside a roast. | cheerfulchefs.com

My family always gathers around the table eagerly when this dish is served, sharing stories and laughs.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne or a layer of cooked bacon between the potatoes Swap Gruyère for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if preferred Goes well with roast meats or as a vegetarian main with a green salad

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Saucepan Whisk Chefs 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

Melted cheese topping the layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with perfectly tender, baked potatoes. Save
Melted cheese topping the layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with perfectly tender, baked potatoes. | cheerfulchefs.com

This creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to absorb the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Monterey Jack or mozzarella to vary the flavor while maintaining creaminess.

How should the dish be baked for best results?

Bake covered with foil at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncovered for another 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Can additional spices enhance the flavor?

A pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick, and smoked paprika enriches the smoky undertones in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the creamy sauce thick without gluten.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Creamy

Tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with Southern-inspired flavors.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Overall Time
95 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Background Southern American

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

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 additional to taste
04 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Make Roux: Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until mixture is bubbly but not browned.

Step 03

Create Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream while whisking. Continue whisking until sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 04

Season Sauce: Incorporate garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika into sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Add Cheeses: Stir in 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère until completely melted and smooth.

Step 06

Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in baking dish. Top with half the onions in an even layer.

Step 07

Add Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions.

Step 08

Repeat Layers: Layer remaining potatoes and onions, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.

Step 09

Top with Remaining Cheese: Evenly sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère over the top.

Step 10

Bake Covered: Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 11

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Rest and Garnish: Allow dish to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten in flour).

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams