This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without a fuss. With its creamy texture and rich cheesy flavor, this dish stands out as a delightful side that pairs wonderfully with any main course. Simple to prepare and made with just a handful of ingredients, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar and parmesan cheeses creates a rich, indulgent taste that everyone loves.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this dish with ease.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for parties and gatherings, this recipe serves up to 10 people, making it ideal for sharing.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with meats, salads, or serve it alone—this dish complements a variety of meals beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy homemade goodness without the hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Mandoline slicer
9×13 baking dish
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Mandoline slicer: Ensures uniform potato slices for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
9×13 baking dish: Provides ample space for layering potatoes and cheese while ensuring even baking.

Ingredients

This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is incredibly comforting, creamy, cheesy, and rich! It’s a simple side dish that feeds a crowd and has very few ingredients.

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

For the Potatoes

3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

For Cooking

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups heavy/whipping cream
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Meanwhile, grate the cheeses. Peel the potatoes using a sharp knife and slice them into 1/8 (3 mm) pieces using a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Add the butter until melted.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the cream along with salt and pepper. Warm through while stirring occasionally until it reaches a boil. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

In a greased 9×13 baking dish:
1. Arrange half of the potato slices on the bottom (overlapping is fine).
2. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
3. Add half of each cheese on top.
4. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and finish with a layer of cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes until tender—check with a toothpick to ensure doneness.

Step 6: Serve

Let the potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy side!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Perfect Pairings with Proteins

Roast Chicken: The creamy texture of scalloped potatoes complements the juicy flavors of roast chicken beautifully.
Grilled Steak: A hearty steak alongside these cheesy potatoes makes for a satisfying meal.
Baked Salmon: The rich cheese in the potatoes balances the lightness of salmon, creating a perfect harmony.

Accompanying Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while its slight bitterness contrasts well with the cheesy potatoes.
Roasted Asparagus: This elegant vegetable brings a touch of sophistication and pairs nicely with cheesy flavors.
Garden Salad: A fresh salad provides a crisp contrast to the richness of scalloped potatoes.

Sauces and Condiments

Chili Sauce: A drizzle of chili sauce adds a spicy kick that enhances the flavor profile.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can add creamy tanginess to each bite.

How to Perfect Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

To ensure your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the right potatoes: Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Slice evenly: Aim for 1/8 slices to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Layer thoughtfully: Alternate layers of potatoes, cheese, and cream for maximum flavor infusion as they bake.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your cream mixture before pouring it over the layers. Additional salt or pepper can enhance flavors further.
Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit after baking helps set everything together for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Pairing your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds summer vibes and pairs wonderfully with cheesy goodness.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots bring a pop of color and balance out salty flavors.
Creamy Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with creamy potatoes.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce from your plate!
Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa complement the richness of scalloped potatoes.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds crisp romaine and savory dressing that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the wrong potatoes – Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best for creamy scalloped potatoes. Avoid waxy varieties, as they won’t yield the desired texture.
Not layering correctly – Layering is key in this dish. Be sure to spread half the potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese evenly before repeating. This ensures each bite is cheesy and flavorful.
Skipping the resting time – Allowing your dish to sit after baking helps it set up properly. If you cut into it right away, it may fall apart and lose that creamy texture.
Overcooking or undercooking – Ovens vary in temperature; always check your potatoes early to ensure they are tender but not mushy. Adjust baking times as needed for perfect results.
Neglecting seasoning – Don’t forget to season each layer well with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavors and prevents blandness in your scalloped potatoes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Make sure they are fully cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350F and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake until heated through.
Microwave – Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warm.
Stovetop – Heat over low flame in a pan, stirring gently until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Can I use different cheeses for Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. Just keep the total amount similar.

How do I make homemade scalloped potatoes healthier?

To lighten up this recipe, consider using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or reducing cheese portions while adding more veggies.

What can I serve with Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

These scalloped potatoes pair well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How do I know when my scalloped potatoes are done?

Your potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and bubbly on top. A toothpick should slide in easily without much resistance.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes offer a rich and comforting side dish that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With just a few ingredients, you can customize it by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy this delicious recipe that’s sure to impress!

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Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts. This creamy and cheesy dish features layers of tender potatoes baked to perfection in a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle.
Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch pieces using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper; warm until boiling.
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the potato slices, pour half of the cream mixture over them, and sprinkle with half of each cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American