Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Family Comfort Meals

These ultra-creamy scalloped potatoes combine thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère. The sauce features buttery roux, sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika for depth. Baked until bubbling and golden, this Southern-style dish offers a perfect comforting side for holidays or family dinners. Topped with fresh chives, it’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:44:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish, ready to eat. Pin this
Golden, bubbling cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting Southern side dish, ready to eat. | plumoven.com

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

I have been making this recipe every holiday season and it never fails to impress my family with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

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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My family always gathers around this dish during the holidays, sharing stories and enjoying the warm flavors together.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or layer with cooked crumbled bacon. 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 per serving. Total Fat: 24 g. Carbohydrates: 36 g. Protein: 14 g.

A close-up of cheesy scalloped potatoes, showing layers of creamy potatoes and melted cheeses. Pin this
A close-up of cheesy scalloped potatoes, showing layers of creamy potatoes and melted cheeses. | plumoven.com

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting richness of these scalloped potatoes that bring everyone to the table.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for thin slices that hold their shape and absorb flavors well.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Gruyère can be replaced with Swiss or Monterey Jack without sacrificing creaminess and taste.

How do I achieve a creamy sauce?

Slowly whisking warm milk and cream into a butter-flour roux ensures a smooth, thickened cheese sauce.

What spices enhance the flavor?

Dijon mustard and smoked paprika add subtle heat and depth, highlighting the cheese richness.

How long should it rest before serving?

Letting the dish rest for 15 minutes helps the sauce thicken and flavors to meld perfectly.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Rich, creamy scalloped potatoes layered with cheddar and Gruyère cheese, ideal for comforting meals.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
75 min
Total Duration
95 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Medium

Cuisine type Southern American

Servings made 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Potatoes

01 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (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 fresh chives, chopped (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Layer Potatoes: Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 04

Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 05

Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in warmed milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 06

Season Sauce: Incorporate Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the sauce.

Step 07

Melt Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and whisk in shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until smooth.

Step 08

Assemble Layers: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first potato layer. Arrange remaining potatoes on top, then cover with remaining sauce.

Step 09

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

Step 10

Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 11

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and wheat gluten; verify ingredient labels to accommodate allergies.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 14 g