Name: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 - 12 large Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced to 1/8 inch thick (4 lbs); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; Fresh thyme (optional)

There’s something so comforting about layers of tender potatoes swimming in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe—it’s the perfect combo of simple ingredients coming together for a dish that just feels like home on a plate.

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

This recipe is such a winner in my kitchen because it’s straight-up forgiving and endlessly tasty. I’ve made it dozens of times, tweaking little bits, and it always turns out creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list; just potatoes, cheese, milk, and a few pantry staples make a real crowd-pleaser.
Easy Prep: The steps are straightforward—slicing, making a quick cheese sauce, layering, and baking. Nothing intimidating here.
Flexible Cheese Options: I love using Gruyere and white cheddar, but you can mix and match to suit your taste or what’s in the fridge.
Golden, Bubbling Perfection: That crispy, golden brown top with gooey cheesy layers underneath? It really is a showstopper.

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

Each ingredient in this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe plays a starring role. Choosing Yukon Gold potatoes means you get a perfect balance between creamy flesh and sturdy texture that holds the layers well. The cheese mix creates the depth and melty goodness we’re after. Let’s break down why these ingredients come together so well.

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 creamy texture and thin skin add natural flavor and a pretty golden hue—you don’t even need to peel them!
Whole Milk: Provides richness without being too heavy; it blends beautifully with the butter and cheese.
Gruyere Cheese: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and melts smoothly for silky sauce texture.
White Cheddar Cheese: Gives sharpness and depth, balancing the richness perfectly.
Butter: Essential for that perfect roux base, which thickens and enriches your sauce.
Flour: Combines with butter to create a classic thickening agent for the sauce.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices boost savory flavor subtly without overpowering.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful color to the sauce.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper & Kosher Salt: Key for seasoning—don't skip these!
Fresh Thyme (optional): A bright, herbaceous garnish that elevates the dish at serving time.

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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 like to switch up my cheese blend sometimes—adding a little Parmesan for extra golden crust or throwing in some smoked gouda for a twist. You should totally play around with it; that’s part of the fun!

Vegetarian Version: This recipe is naturally vegetarian but feel free to add cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra heartiness—I've tried both and loved how they add depth.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use a blend of non-dairy milks and plant-based cheeses, but keep in mind the sauce texture might change slightly.
Herb Variations: Besides thyme, rosemary or chives bring fresh notes—grab what’s fresh from your garden or market.

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

Step 1: Thinly Slice Your Potatoes

Get your mandolin ready—a real time and effort saver! I slice my Yukon Gold potatoes to about ⅛ inch thick. Thin slices cook evenly and soak up that cheesy sauce. Don’t worry about peeling; the skins add beautiful texture and flavor once baked.

Step 2: Prep the Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until you get a smooth paste—this is your roux. Slowly whisk in whole milk so the mixture thickens. Next, add the shredded Gruyere and cheddar bits slowly, letting the cheese melt fully before adding more. Finally, season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This sauce is the soul of your dish—watch it thicken and become silky!

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Grease a large 9x13 baking dish and arrange your potato slices neatly at the bottom. Pour that cheesy goodness sauce over the potatoes, making sure to drizzle on the edges so every slice gets coated. It’s messy, but so worth it!

Step 4: Bake and Brown

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes—it helps steam the potatoes to tender perfection. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes so the top turns a glorious golden brown and bubbly. You’ll want to watch it in the final minutes so it doesn’t overbrown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, I sprinkle fresh thyme over the top. It adds just that little pop of color and herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every comforting bite.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few essential tips for nailing this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe every single time. These little tweaks really make the difference between 'just okay' and 'wow, my family is asking for seconds.'

Use a Mandolin for Uniform Slices: This ensures all potato slices cook evenly—the last thing you want are crispy edges with raw centers.
Shred Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect how it melts, so block cheese is your best bet for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Don’t Skip Seasoning: The right balance of salt, pepper, and paprika makes your cheese sauce sing with flavor.
Watch the Last 10 Minutes: Keep an eye on the bake so the top crisps up perfectly without burning.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

cheesy scalloped potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of fresh herbs—thyme is my go-to for a rustic touch, but finely chopped chives or parsley also work great. A light sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or parmesan just before the last bake adds a golden crust that's irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish is a perfect partner for juicy roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or as a comforting side with a simple green salad to balance out the richness. At holiday dinners, I love serving it alongside glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this recipe in individual ramekins to create personal servings—which also helps with presentation and portion control. Another favorite is adding a sprinkle of crispy pancetta on top just before serving for a savory crunch that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact—you don’t want it drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze in an airtight container before baking or after cooling post-bake. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until bubbly again.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, checking to ensure it heats evenly. If the top loses some crispness, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two—but watch closely!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

You can, but Yukon Gold is ideal because they hold their shape and create a creamy texture without falling apart. Russets tend to be fluffier and might make the dish a bit dense.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No peeling required! Leaving the skin on adds fiber, nutrients, and a beautiful golden crust once baked. Just be sure to wash the potatoes well before slicing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if it’s going in cold.

What’s the best way to get a golden crust on top?

Sprinkling a little extra shredded cheese or parmesan on top before the final uncovered bake works wonders. Also, keeping the oven temperature steady and watching in the last 10 minutes helps you get that perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has become a go-to comfort food for me because it’s just so reliable and dreamy to eat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it finds a spot on your dinner table (and in your heart!) for many cozy meals ahead.