Nothing quite beats the comfort of a warm, creamy, and cheesy potato dish fresh from the oven. This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has been my go-to side for family dinners and special occasions – it’s simple to make, irresistibly cheesy, and the perfect cozy addition to any meal.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with multiple thin, round slices of golden-yellow potatoes arranged in overlapping layers. The top layer has a light golden brown crust with bubbly melted cheese and creamy sauce covering the potatoes. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the top for garnish. The edges of the dish show browned, slightly crispy spots. The dish is set on a folded gray cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white plate with fresh green herb sprigs is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made lots of scalloped potatoes over the years, but this version stands out because it’s easy to pull together, ridiculously cheesy, and bakes up golden and bubbly every single time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to your taste without any fuss.

Simplicity: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have, and the technique is straightforward enough even if you’re new to cooking.
Comfort food classic: Delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you want in a homey side dish.
Customizable: >You can swap cheeses or add herbs to make it your own favorite version.
Texture perfection: Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes create layers that are tender but still hold their shape beautifully.

This close-up image shows a creamy potato dish with one main layer of thin, round potato slices, each cooked to a golden brown with slightly crispy edges and browned spots on top. The potato slices lay mostly flat and overlap slightly, sitting in a thick, smooth, pale yellow sauce with a creamy texture. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding a bit of fresh color that contrasts with the warm tones of the potatoes and sauce. The overall look is rich and hearty, with the sauce filling the spaces between the potatoes, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe leans on simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role. Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect because they’re creamy without falling apart. The mix of Gruyere and white cheddar gives that lush, melting cheese flavor that feels both fancy and familiar.

Flat lay of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with golden skins, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of shredded gruyere cheese, a small white bowl of shredded white cheddar cheese, a few pats of fresh butter, a small white bowl of flour, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper arranged separately, and a small sprig of fresh thyme placed delicately, all arranged with perfect symmetry in natural light, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well to baking and the thin skin adds flavor and nutrients when left on.
Whole milk: Creates a rich and creamy sauce without being too heavy.
Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully, giving a smooth, nutty depth to the sauce.
White cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a classic cheesy tang.
Butter: Essential for making a luscious roux base for your cheese sauce.
Flour: Thickens the sauce so it gently clings to every potato slice.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Add subtle savory notes without overpowering the cheese.
Paprika: Brings a hint of warmth and lovely color to the dish.
Black pepper & kosher salt: Balance and enhance the natural flavors.
Fresh thyme (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding my own spin by trying different cheese combos or tossing some fresh herbs into the sauce. It keeps the recipe interesting and personal. Feel free to play around — this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is forgiving and adapts well to your taste.

Variation: Sometimes I swap Gruyere for Fontina or add a bit of smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky twist that my family raves about.
Dietary tip: Using lactose-free milk or a plant-based milk like oat milk works if you want to lighten it up, though it changes the texture slightly.
Seasonal twist: Adding thin slices of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the potato layers can elevate the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Potatoes and Baking Dish

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9x13 baking dish a good greasing with nonstick spray. I like to arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in neat, even layers — you can place them vertically or horizontally depending on how you want the presentation to look. Using a mandolin here really helps get uniform slices so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Making the Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. This takes about a minute — be sure not to brown it! Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep it lump-free and creamy. Then, gradually add your shredded cheeses, whisking patiently until each handful melts fully into the sauce. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper for that perfect punch of flavor.

Step 3: Baking and Finishing Touches

Pour your luscious cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, making sure it seeps in between the sides too. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes — this traps the moisture to help the potatoes cook through nicely. Then, take off the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra crispy top, sprinkle some extra cheese before the last bake. A few fresh thyme leaves on top bring a lovely aroma and freshness as soon as it’s done.

Top Tip

After experimenting with many batches, I discovered a few insider tricks that really make my Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe shine every time.

Mandolin slicing: Using a mandolin slicer ensures your potato slices are ultra-thin and uniform, which means even cooking and that sought-after tender texture.
Freshly shredded cheese: I always shred my own cheese rather than using pre-shredded — it melts smoother and gives the sauce an unbeatable creaminess.
Don't rush layering: Take a moment to arrange the potatoes nicely — it helps with even cooking and gives your casserole a beautiful look when served.
Watch the sauce consistency: If your sauce feels too thin before baking, just simmer it a little longer until it slightly thickens — it will bake up perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

cheesy scalloped potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves because their subtle herbal note cuts through the richness wonderfully. Sometimes I add a pinch of paprika on top for color or even a small handful of crispy bacon bits for extra oomph.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a well-seasoned veggie roast. For weeknight dinners, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance out all that cheesy decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between the potatoes, then finish with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch. Passing this casserole around a festive table always wins compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you probably will), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that letting it cool completely before refrigerating helps keep the texture from getting too soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). If you want to revive a crispy top, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some of the golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?

While Yukon Golds are ideal because of their creamy yet firm texture, you can use red potatoes as a substitute. Just make sure to slice them thinly and keep an eye on the bake time since reds may cook faster or slower depending on size.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap out the milk for a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese options. Keep in mind this will change the texture and flavor a bit, but it’s definitely doable and still delicious.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes?

Using a mandolin slicer is the easiest and most consistent way to get thin, uniform slices that cook evenly. If you don’t have one, use a sharp knife and slice carefully as thinly as you can.

How do I avoid soggy scalloped potatoes?

Make sure to slice your potatoes evenly and thinly, don’t skip the roux-based cheese sauce that thickens nicely, and bake covered first to cook potatoes through, then uncovered to get a golden top. Avoid adding too much liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together, invites comfort, and always guarantees smiles. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own little tradition. Trust me, once you’ve tasted those creamy, cheesy layers baked to golden perfection, it’ll become a favorite for your family and friends, too.