Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese are the ultimate comfort food side dish. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly creamy, golden potatoes every time. The crispy, cheesy top is irresistible, making it a cozy addition to any winter meal. Keep reading for my best tips, or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Bowl Recipe and Creamy Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, golden potatoes
- Crispy, cheesy top
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for holidays and cozy nights
What You'll Need for Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Russet potatoes
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Chives
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their high starch content.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes the potatoes extra creamy. You can substitute with milk, but the texture will be slightly different.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures even slices for perfect layering → See on Amazon
- Baking Dish — Distributes heat evenly for perfectly cooked potatoes → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
- Prepare the potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline slicer. Soak in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Layer the potatoes: In a baking dish, layer potatoes, seasonings, and cheese sauce. Repeat until all potatoes are used.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid using too much liquid. Too much milk can make the potatoes watery. If this happens, cook on the stovetop to reduce excess liquid.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed onions between the potatoes.
- Pro tip: Make ahead: Assemble the dish, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Yes, see pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
Freezing Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, then broil for a few minutes to crisp the top.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with a mix of half-and-half and milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food Processor — Saves time and effort in slicing potatoes → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Bacon bits
- Chives
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline slicer. Soak in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Layer the potatoes: In a baking dish, layer potatoes, seasonings, and cheese sauce. Repeat until all potatoes are used.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with a mix of half-and-half and milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, then broil for a few minutes to crisp the top.
- Make ahead: Yes, see pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 12g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese FAQs
Too much liquid can make the potatoes watery. To fix, cook on the stovetop to reduce excess liquid.
Yes, see pro tips for make-ahead instructions.
A mix of half-and-half and milk can be used as a substitute.
Grease the baking dish well before adding the potatoes to prevent sticking.
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
