Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Creamy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe has been in my kitchen rotation for years. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at every big meal — creamy, comforting, and covered in melty cheese.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or Sunday supper, folks always go back for seconds. I love how it pairs just as beautifully with a baked ham as it does with a fancy beef tenderloin.

You only need simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but plain.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s rich and cheesy, but not heavy
• Layers perfectly — no gluey mess
• Great for holidays or just because
• You can prep it ahead of time
• Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank

This is comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)

Stick with starchy potatoes for the creamiest layers.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Peel and thinly slice potatoes
Use a mandoline for even slices (about ⅛ inch thick). This helps them cook evenly.

3. Make the cream sauce
In a saucepan, warm the cream with garlic, onion powder, mustard, salt, and pepper. Don’t boil — just let it get warm and infused.

4. Layer the casserole
Place half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Pour half the cream mixture over, then sprinkle with half the cheese.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese.

5. Bake until golden
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Let it rest before serving
Cool for 10 minutes so the layers can set up. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’d like.

It’s a lot like my hamburger potato casserole, but even creamier.

Easy Variations

Want to mix it up?

• Swap the cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss
• Add crispy bacon or chopped ham
• Toss in sautéed onions or spinach
• Use smoked paprika for depth
• Add rosemary or thyme for extra warmth

You can even go half sweet potatoes for a fall twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble the whole dish a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate.

Let it sit at room temp while your oven preheats, then bake as usual.

Leftovers reheat beautifully. Warm them in the oven, covered, at 350°F.

I like to serve them next to creamy buffalo chicken or a bright pineapple casserole for that sweet-savory contrast.

Southern Side That Shines

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is rich, cozy, and made for sharing. It brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a holiday or a Tuesday night.

Want to round out the meal? Try serving it with cheesy broccoli chicken and rice or a scoop of sweet ambrosia salad.

Looking for more Southern air fryer goodness? be sure to check out my Pinterest page.

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