Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Classic

Featured in: Vegetarian Soul Dishes

This Southern-style dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered and baked in a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère. The sauce combines butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika to create a deeply flavorful and ultra-creamy texture. After baking covered and then uncovered for a bubbly golden top, the dish rests to set before serving, offering a comforting addition to any holiday or family meal. Fresh chives add a bright garnish if desired.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:17:00 GMT
Golden and bubbly, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting, Southern classic side, ready to serve. Pin It
Golden and bubbly, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting, Southern classic side, ready to serve. | sweetbatata.com

Ultra-creamy, rich, and flavorful, these Southern-style cheesy scalloped potatoes make the perfect comfort-food side dish for holidays or Sunday suppers.

This dish has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together around the table for warm, comforting meals.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3 pounds (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
  • Cheese Sauce: 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk warmed, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère cheese shredded
  • Topping: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (45 g) shredded Gruyère cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives optional

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish.
Step 3:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 4:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5:
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 6:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
Step 8:
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes. Arrange the remaining potatoes on top, then pour over the remaining cheese sauce spreading evenly.
Step 9:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 10:
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 11:
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
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Sharing this dish with family always creates warm memories around the dinner table.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne or a layer of cooked crumbled bacon. Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Monterey Jack if preferred. Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or BBQ.

Required Tools

9x13-inch baking dish Large saucepan Whisk Knife and cutting board Foil Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 14 g

Imagine digging into creamy, rich cheesy scalloped potatoes; a perfect vegetarian dish bubbling in a pan. Pin It
Imagine digging into creamy, rich cheesy scalloped potatoes; a perfect vegetarian dish bubbling in a pan. | sweetbatata.com

Enjoy this creamy comfort food as a perfect side to your favorite main dishes.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for thin slicing and absorbing the creamy cheese sauce well.

Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, Gruyère can be replaced with Swiss or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?

Covering the dish for the first 45 minutes helps cook the potatoes evenly and retain moisture before uncovering for a golden, bubbly top.

How can I add a little extra flavor?

A pinch of cayenne pepper or a layer of cooked, crumbled bacon can enhance the dish's flavor complexity.

What dishes pair well with this side?

This creamy scalloped potato side pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and barbecue dishes.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Classic

Rich, creamy scalloped potatoes with cheddar and Gruyère, perfect for holiday or Sunday sides.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
75 min
Overall Time
95 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Southern American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Potatoes

01 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)

Cheese Sauce

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
06 1 cup heavy cream
07 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 1 teaspoon salt
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Topping

01 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 02

Layer potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 04

Make roux: Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 05

Add milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 06

Season cheese sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 07

Incorporate cheeses: Remove from heat and whisk in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

Step 08

Assemble layers: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first potato layer. Arrange remaining potatoes on top, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over them.

Step 09

Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 10

Add topping and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten)

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 14 g