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 ⅛th inch thick (4 lbs); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or any preferred soft cheese); 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or any preferred soft cheese); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about creamy, cheesy potatoes baked to perfection—like hugging your taste buds. This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-soothing dish, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress without stress.

The image shows a close-up of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy potato gratin. The top layer consists of golden-brown, thinly sliced potato pieces with a slightly crispy texture and small fresh green herb leaves scattered over them. The gratin sauce beneath is creamy and light yellow in color, seeming rich and smooth. The dish sits on a light grey cloth with green stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white round plate with a few sprigs of fresh green thyme. 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’m genuinely enthusiastic about this recipe because it’s so straightforward yet delivers that rich, cheesy comfort we all crave. Plus, the layers of tender potatoes swimming in a creamy sauce make it a real crowd-pleaser every time.

Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here — just reliable, comforting staples you probably have on hand.
Easy to Customize: >You can tweak the cheeses or spices to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Texture Perfection: >The thin potato slices bake up tender with a golden, bubbly top that’s downright addictive.
Great for Any Occasion: >Whether it’s a weeknight side or part of a holiday spread, this recipe shines.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy and smooth with a light golden color, while the top layer consists of several round potato slices that are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Small fresh green herb leaves are scattered across the potatoes, adding a touch of color and freshness. The potatoes have a soft, yet slightly browned texture, and the creamy base looks rich and thick, with some bubbling around the edges. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe come together beautifully to create a creamy, flavorful dish. The Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape but soften just right, and the combination of Gruyere and white cheddar cheeses gives you layered cheesy goodness with a nutty kick.

Flat lay of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with golden edges arranged neatly, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl filled with shredded gruyere cheese, a small white bowl filled with shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white bowl holding three tablespoons of rich yellow butter, a small white bowl of fine white flour, a small white bowl containing paprika powder in a warm red hue, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl with onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green thyme placed with perfect symmetry, all 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: These have a buttery flavor and smooth texture, perfect for thin slicing and baking without turning mushy.
Whole Milk: It makes the cheese sauce rich and creamy without being too heavy.
Gruyere Cheese: Adds a lovely nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts so elegantly.
White Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharpness and depth to the sauce, balancing the other cheese.
Butter: The base fat that helps create that silky roux to thicken the sauce.
Flour: Combines with butter to form the roux, essential for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These bring gentle savory notes without overpowering the potatoes.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the dish.
Black Pepper: Provides a bit of spicy bite that complements the creamy sauce.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Fresh Thyme (optional): A fragrant herb garnish that adds a hint of earthiness and freshness.

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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 tweaking this recipe depending on who I’m cooking for or what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap in smoked gouda for a smoky twist, or add a pinch of cayenne if I want a little heat. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find your favorite version in no time!

Variation: One time, I mixed in sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions before layering the potatoes, which added a lovely earthy sweetness and made it extra special for a cozy weekend dinner.
Dietary Swap: Use lactose-free milk and dairy-free cheese slices if you need a dairy-free version; just expect a slight difference in creaminess.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic vibe.
Cheese Options: Feel free to swap Gruyere or cheddar for any melting cheese you prefer—fontina, mozzarella, even Monterey Jack works beautifully.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Potatoes Just Right

First things first, I slice my Yukon Gold potatoes super thin—about ⅛ inch thick—using a mandolin. This consistency helps them cook evenly without turning mushy. No peeling necessary here; the skins add fiber and form a lovely golden crust. Then, I layer the slices neatly in a greased 9x13 baking dish. You can line them up vertically or horizontally—whichever feels right!

Step 2: Whisking Up the Cheese Sauce

Next, I melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux—this thickens the sauce perfectly. Slowly adding the whole milk while whisking keeps lumps at bay. Once the milk is incorporated, I stir in the shredded Gruyere and white cheddar gradually, letting each handful melt smoothly before adding the next for a velvety sauce.

Finally, I season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. This combo brightens up the sauce without overshadowing the cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Baking It to Golden Perfection

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, making sure the edges get some lovin’ too. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This steams the potatoes gently so they start cooking through. Then, I remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. That smell alone is pure magic!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for that herbal pop of color and aroma. Serve these right away for the creamiest, most luscious experience—trust me, they won’t last long!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these key tips can make all the difference between just “good” scalloped potatoes and truly unforgettable ones.

Use a Mandolin for Slicing: It saves time and guarantees evenly thin slices, so everything cooks uniformly.
Shred Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can mess with the sauce's texture.
Don’t Skip the Roux Step: Whisking butter and flour first ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce—patience here pays off!
Cover at First, Then Uncover: Covering lets the potatoes steam so they’re tender inside; uncovering at the end crisps up the top beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh thyme because it adds a lovely green accent and a mild herbal scent that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I’ll toss on a little extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of chopped chives for color and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even glazed ham. I also love serving it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp salad for some freshness to balance all that cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve layered scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a fancy look. You can also top them with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times by baking it just until barely set (about 20–25 minutes), cooling completely, then wrapping tightly before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and finish baking uncovered to regain that golden crust.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil so it warms through without drying. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato?

You can, but Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture with a buttery flavor that complements the dish. Russets might become too mushy, while red potatoes could alter the texture.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes thinly?

Using a mandolin slicer is the easiest and safest way to get consistently thin slices around ⅛ inch. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and steady hand will work — just take your time to ensure even slices for uniform baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it covered then uncovered as described in the recipe directions for fresh, bubbly results.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too watery?

Whisking the roux properly is key — cook the butter and flour together until smooth, then add the milk slowly while whisking constantly. Also, be sure to use the correct cheese amount and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, which can affect sauce texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect balance of fuss-free and show-stopping. Every time I make it, I know I’m treating my family (and myself!) to something simple, satisfying, and full of love. Give it a try—you’ll find a spot for it on your regular rotation in no time.