If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfies every bite with creamy, cheesy goodness, look no further than Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This timeless casserole melds tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a luscious cheese sauce that is both rich and delicate. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate and always brings people together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises layers of irresistible flavor and comforting textures that everyone will rave about.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays its role to create the perfect balance of taste and texture. These everyday staples come together to transform simple potatoes into a creamy masterpiece that’s both hearty and elegant.

4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for that soft, tender bite after baking.
1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps build the creamy sauce base.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for the perfect cling to each potato slice.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes bland.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
2 cups milk: Creates a smooth, velvety sauce that soaks into the potatoes beautifully.
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Provides the star flavor and that irresistible cheesy melt on top.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for baking those potatoes to tender perfection. While the oven warms, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and let the mixture thicken, turning into a creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor and will bind all your ingredients together.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes. Pour over half of the luscious milk sauce, making sure each slice is covered to absorb all that creamy goodness. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, which will melt into delightful pockets of flavor as it bakes. Repeat these layers to build up that iconic scalloped look and taste.

Step 3: Bake Covered for Tender Potatoes

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and bake for an hour. This covered baking ensures the steam helps soften the potatoes thoroughly while the sauce bubbles subtly. After this hour, you’ll find the potatoes tender and the kitchen filled with that irresistibly cheesy aroma that means you are almost there.

Step 4: Uncover and Brown the Cheese

Remove the foil to let the top layer of cheese turn golden and bubbly, which should take about 30 minutes more. This final step is the crowning glory of the dish, providing a slight crispness on top that contrasts perfectly with the soft potatoes underneath. Once the cheese has browned beautifully, your Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is ready to be served.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Garnishes

To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. Not only does this brighten the presentation, but it also introduces a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich cheese sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef, adding that comforting starch to your plate. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider scooping out individual portions into small ramekins for a charming personal serving that feels extra special. You might also layer in different cheeses or add a hint of garlic or caramelized onions between layers to elevate the flavor profile while keeping the heart of the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble your layers in a freezer-safe dish, tightly cover with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to keep the top cheesy and slightly crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the topping too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Cheddar?

Absolutely! While Cheddar provides that classic tangy melt, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Yes, peeling the potatoes ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any unexpected lumps or tough skins. It helps the layers bake evenly and absorb the sauce better.

How thin should the potato slices be?

Aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick. Thin slices cook more evenly and allow the creamy sauce to permeate each layer perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting butter with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based milk and cheese, but the texture and flavor will change. It’s worth experimenting if you have dietary restrictions.

Why do we bake the dish covered first?

Baking covered traps steam, helping soften the potatoes gently without drying them out. Uncovering later allows the cheese to crisp and brown beautifully for that perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, nostalgic, and endlessly delicious — exactly what comfort food should be. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and make this for your next meal. Trust me, once you taste those golden, cheesy layers, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home too.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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4 from 89 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort food featuring tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish offers layers of rich cheddar cheese and a smooth béchamel-style sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Sauce

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups milk

Cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the potatoes evenly.
Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously until smooth to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce.
Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Pour half of the prepared milk sauce over the potatoes and then sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese to create two layers.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors while keeping moisture in.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes uncovered. This step will let the cheese bubble and turn a lovely golden brown, and the potatoes will become tender.
Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot as a hearty side dish or main comfort food.

Notes

For creamier potatoes, use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.
Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly and thinly to ensure they cook uniformly.
You can add garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor.
To reduce prep, use pre-shredded cheese but freshly shredded cheese melts better.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American