Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ultra

Featured in: Comfort Classics

This dish showcases thinly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked under a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère cheese, milk, and cream. Butter, seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, forms a smooth sauce that infuses each layer with flavor. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, it’s an ideal side for holiday meals or cozy family dinners. Garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Preparation involves layering the potatoes and onions with the creamy cheese sauce, then baking covered and uncovered to achieve tender, flavorful results with a golden crust. Optional additions like cayenne or bacon can add depth to the savory profile. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, this casserole brings Southern warmth to any table.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling from the oven, a delicious Southern side dish. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bubbling from the oven, a delicious Southern side dish. | velvetthyme.com

A rich, decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.

This dish has been a family favorite at Southern holiday dinners for years and never fails to impress guests with its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced , 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk , 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream , 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded , 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded , 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • Pantry & Spices: 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour , 1 tsp garlic powder , 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste) , ½ tsp ground black pepper , ¼ tsp smoked paprika , Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter
Make Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned
Add Dairy:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream Continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 3–5 minutes
Season Sauce:
Stir in garlic powder salt pepper and paprika Remove from heat
Add Cheese:
Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese Stir until melted and smooth
Layer Ingredients:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish Top with half the onions
Add Sauce:
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce
Top Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving
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| velvetthyme.com

Making this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone looks forward to the creamy cheesy layers.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne or a layer of cooked bacon between the potatoes Swap Gruyère for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if preferred Goes well with roast meats or as a vegetarian main with a green salad

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish , Saucepan , Whisk , Chefs knife , Mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices) , Aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains Milk Cheese Butter (Dairy) Wheat (Gluten in flour) For gluten-free substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend Always check cheese labels for potential allergens

Creamy layers of cheesy sauce coating tender potatoes in these comforting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Save to Pinterest
Creamy layers of cheesy sauce coating tender potatoes in these comforting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. | velvetthyme.com

This creamy scalloped potato recipe is a timeless side that elevates any meal with its rich flavor and comforting texture.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create tender layers with the right texture when baked.

Can I substitute cheeses in the dish?

Gruyère can be replaced with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

How should the sauce be prepared?

A roux of butter and flour is whisked with milk and cream, then combined with shredded cheddar and Gruyère for a rich, creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?

Use a mandoline slicer for consistent thin slices, ensuring even baking and layering.

How long do I bake the casserole?

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend in the sauce preparation.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ultra

Tender potatoes layered with creamy, cheesy sauce delivering rich Southern comfort.

Prep time
20 min
Time for cooking
75 min
Total process time
95 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Comfort Classics

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type Southern American

Yield amount 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly

List of ingredients

Vegetables

01 2.5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

01 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
04 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Make Roux Base: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.

Step 03

Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 04

Season Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Add Cheese to Sauce: Mix in 1½ cups shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded Gruyère until smooth and melted.

Step 06

Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish and top with half of the sliced onions.

Step 07

Add Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potato and onion layers.

Step 08

Repeat Layers: Place the remaining potatoes and onions over the sauce, then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.

Step 09

Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 10

Initial Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 11

Final Bake: Remove foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Rest and Garnish: Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.

Essential tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour).

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 350
  • Fat content: 22 g
  • Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein amount: 10 g