Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Classic scalloped potatoes with cheddar cheese are the ultimate comfort food. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly creamy, never watery potatoes every time. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Sriracha Aioli and Mediterranean Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad with Burrata.
Why This Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and comforting
- Better than takeout
- Easy to make ahead
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
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Chives
- Optional: Bacon
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their high starch content.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline slicer — Ensures even slices for perfect layers. → See on Amazon
- Baking dish — Deep dish ensures potatoes don't overflow. → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
- Prepare potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline slicer. Soak in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté onions: Sauté onions in butter until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
- Assemble and bake: Layer potatoes and cheese sauce in a deep baking dish. Repeat layers until all potatoes and sauce are used. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes, garnish with chives or bacon, and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the potatoes. They'll become mushy and watery. Start checking for doneness at 60 minutes.
- Pro tip: Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.
- Pro tip: Make ahead and reheat in the oven for best results.
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: Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Freezing Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a fork to gently press down on the potatoes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are still firm, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food processor — Saves time when slicing potatoes and onions. → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Chives
- Bacon
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline slicer. Soak in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté onions: Sauté onions in butter until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
- Assemble and bake: Layer potatoes and cheese sauce in a deep baking dish. Repeat layers until all potatoes and sauce are used. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes, garnish with chives or bacon, and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a fork to gently press down on the potatoes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are still firm, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes.
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. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese FAQs
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Overcooking the potatoes releases too much starch, making the dish watery. Start checking for doneness at 60 minutes.
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
No, scalloped potatoes need to be baked in the oven to ensure even cooking and a golden cheese crust.
Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can also use a mix of cheeses like Gouda, Mozzarella, or Parmesan.
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!
