Ultra-creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This dish features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered with a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyère, milk, cream, and Dijon mustard. Sweet onions and smoked paprika add depth, while baking ensures a tender interior with a golden bubbly top. Perfect for comforting holiday meals or casual Sunday suppers, garnished with fresh chives for a subtle brightness.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:48:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting Southern side, ready to serve with a garnish. Save It
Golden, bubbly cheesy scalloped potatoes, a comforting Southern side, ready to serve with a garnish. | zetluna.com

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

This recipe has been a family favorite for years; everyone eagerly waits for these cheesy scalloped potatoes at holiday dinners.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray
Layer Potatoes:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish
Make Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter Add the chopped onion and sauté for 45 minutes until softened Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute
Make Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 12 minutes to form a roux
Add Milk and Cream:
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 34 minutes)
Season Sauce:
Stir in the Dijon mustard salt pepper and smoked paprika
Add Cheese:
Remove from heat and whisk in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth
Assemble:
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
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses on top and bake uncovered for an additional 2530 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly
Rest and Garnish:
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving Garnish with fresh chives if desired
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Making this dish always brings the family together; the aroma fills the house and creates warm, happy memories.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten from flour) Individuals with allergies should verify all ingredient labels before use

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 14 g per serving

Melting Gruyère and cheddar top these creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes, bubbling after baking to perfection. Save It
Melting Gruyère and cheddar top these creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes, bubbling after baking to perfection. | zetluna.com

This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any cozy meal occasion.

Common Questions About Recipes

Which potatoes work best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to hold shape while absorbing the creamy sauce.

Can the cheese types be substituted?

Yes, Gruyère can be replaced with Swiss or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor while maintaining creaminess.

What adds depth to the creamy cheese sauce?

Ingredients like Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and sautéed onions contribute subtle layers of flavor enhancing the richness.

How can I ensure a bubbly, golden top?

After initial baking covered, uncover and sprinkle additional cheeses on top, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Are there optional additions for more flavor?

Adding cayenne for heat or a layer of crumbled cooked bacon can elevate the savory depth.

Ultra-creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Rich scalloped potatoes layered with cheddar, Gruyère, and a creamy mustard-spiced sauce.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
75 mins
Overall Time
95 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Medium

Cuisine Type Southern American

Recipe Output 8 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Potatoes

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Layer potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared dish.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Make roux: Sprinkle flour into the saucepan and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 05

Add dairy: Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 06

Season sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 07

Incorporate cheeses: Remove sauce from heat and whisk in shredded cheddar and Gruyère until fully melted and smooth.

Step 08

Assemble layers: Pour half the cheese sauce over the first potato layer. Add remaining potatoes, then top with remaining cheese sauce, spreading evenly.

Step 09

Initial baking: Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 10

Add topping and finish baking: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheese on top, then bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden.

Step 11

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten from flour). Verify ingredient labels for allergy safety.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 410
  • Fats: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Proteins: 14 grams