Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Creamy Baked Potato Gratin Recipe)

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort-food side dish — rich, creamy, and layered with tender slices of potatoes baked in a smooth homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, or cozy weeknight meals, this classic potato bake is always a crowd favorite.

With buttery Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, a velvety cream sauce, and a golden bubbly cheese topping, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor using simple pantry ingredients.

If you’re looking for the best baked scalloped potatoes recipe, this one is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 Creamy homemade cheese sauce
 Perfect holiday side dish
 Budget-friendly comfort food
 Easy make-ahead recipe
 Golden, bubbly cheesy topping
 Family-friendly and filling

These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or holiday ham.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk
  (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for richer sauce)

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.
Set aside while preparing the sauce.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat:

• Melt the butter

• Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened

• Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese

• salt

• pepper

• paprika

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Potato Layers

Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish.
Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

5. Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking 15–25 minutes, until:

 potatoes are fork-tender
 top is golden brown
 sauce is bubbling around the edges

7. Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

 Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
 Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
 Don’t skip resting time — it improves texture
 Add heavy cream for an extra rich potato gratin

Easy Variations

Make this recipe your own:

 Add cooked crispy bacon pieces
 Mix in thyme or rosemary for herby flavor
 Substitute caramelized onions
 Add sautéed mushrooms
 Use Gruyère for a classic French-style potato gratin

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Bake covered at 325°F until heated through.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy — the perfect side dish for holidays or everyday dinners. With simple ingredients and a rich homemade sauce, this classic potato casserole is guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.

Once you try this recipe, it may become your go-to baked potato side dish for years to come.