Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust

Introduction

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust is the definition of comfort food elegance. Tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce, generously topped with gooey cheese, and finished with a perfectly golden crust that’s crisp on top and soft inside.

This dish is a holiday classic, but it’s just as welcome at Sunday dinners or special gatherings. Every forkful gives you a balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence and the rustic heartiness of potatoes. It’s the side dish that always steals the show.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Creamy + Cheesy Perfection: The balance of cream, cheese, and potatoes is irresistible.
• Beautifully layered: It looks impressive yet is simple to make.
• Versatile pairing: Works alongside ham, turkey, chicken, or even steak.
• Family favorite: Both kids and adults go back for seconds.
• Comfort + Elegance: It’s hearty yet refined enough for holidays.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish isn’t just potatoes—it’s potatoes transformed. The cheese melts into the creamy sauce, giving the dish an indulgent richness, while the golden crust adds that satisfying crunch. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as cozy as it is impressive, this one deserves a permanent spot on your table.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: ~320 kcal

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / European Comfort

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing dish)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss for milder taste)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for earthiness)

For Topping:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
3. Wash, peel (optional), and thinly slice potatoes into even ⅛-inch slices.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (make a roux).
3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
4. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and optional paprika/thyme.
5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish.
2. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
3. Add the remaining potato slices, then top with the rest of the sauce.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
3. Let rest 10 minutes before serving to set.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a side dish with Christmas ham, roasted turkey, beef, or chicken.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Uniform slices = even cooking: Use a mandoline slicer if possible.
• Cheese variety matters: Sharp cheddar gives tang, Gruyère adds nuttiness.
• For extra creaminess: Add sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
• Make ahead: Assemble 1 day ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.

Variations

1. Garlic & Herb Scalloped Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary and roasted garlic.
2. Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Mix in crispy bacon bits between layers.
3. Four-Cheese Version: Add mozzarella and fontina along with cheddar and Gruyère.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
5. Vegan Version: Use almond milk, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked scalloped potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk

Conclusion

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy richness, layers of tender potatoes, and a golden cheesy top. It’s cozy, indulgent, and pairs beautifully with any main dish, making it a holiday favorite and a year-round comfort food.

Once you make it, it’ll become a tradition at your table—whether for Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinners.

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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 75 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 320kcal

Description

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust is the definition of comfort food elegance. Tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce, generously topped with gooey cheese, and finished with a perfectly golden crust that’s crisp on top and soft inside.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Potatoes:

• 2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing dish)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss for milder taste)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for earthiness)

For Topping:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Wash, peel (optional), and thinly slice potatoes into even ⅛-inch slices.
2. Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (make a roux). Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and optional paprika/thyme. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted and creamy.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Add the remaining potato slices, then top with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.
4. Step 4: Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let rest 10 minutes before serving to set.

Keywords: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Golden Crust