Creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that's perfect for any meal. The secret to a perfect dish is to create a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every single slice of potato, ensuring a creamy texture and a golden, bubbly top.

The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes & Sauce

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  2. Rinse Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for a few minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry completely.

  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika until melted and smooth.

2. Layer and Bake

  1. Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

  2. Add Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.

  3. Repeat: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.

  4. Cover & Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

  5. Uncover & Finish: Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

3. Rest and Serve

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes for easier serving.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Dish

  • The Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice because their high starch content creates a creamy texture.

  • Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure all your potato slices are the same thickness for an even bake.

  • The Cheese: A combination of cheeses is best for flavor and texture. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor, while Gruyère adds a nutty complexity and a great melt.

  • Cover to Start: Covering the dish for the first part of the bake steams the potatoes and ensures they become tender before you brown the top.

  • The Rest is Crucial: Don't skip the resting step! The sauce will continue to thicken and cling to the potatoes, making for a perfect, cohesive side dish.