If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you must try this Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It combines tender, thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce that’s beautifully seasoned with thyme and garlic. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance between creamy texture and that irresistible golden crust on top. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight comfort meal, this dish is an absolute showstopper that brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, classic ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Each one plays its part, from the subtle earthiness of Yukon Gold potatoes to the sharp richness of cheddar cheese.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and smooth texture hold up beautifully when sliced thin and baked.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to bring out their sweetness.
- Onion: Diced finely to soften and add a gentle aromatic base.
- Garlic: Minced for just the right punch of savory depth.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory backbone to the creamy sauce.
- Milk: Makes the sauce smooth and creamy without overpowering other flavors.
- Thyme: Both dried in the sauce and fresh for garnish—its subtle herbal notes brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp, grated cheddar melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy indulgence.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature for even cooking throughout. Spray your 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray so the scalloped potatoes won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly
The key to tender, perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes is uniform slices. Use a mandolin or a very sharp knife to slice your peeled Yukon Gold potatoes thinly and evenly. This ensures each layer cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Rich Cheddar Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, creating a deeply flavorful base. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Finally, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that will soon coat every potato slice.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared pan and season with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Pour half of the cheesy sauce over them, letting it seep into the layers. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and sauce, building a rich and inviting casserole.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This initial baking softens the potatoes and allows them to soak up the sauce. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes so the top gets beautifully golden and bubbly, giving you that perfect crisp finish.
How to Serve Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the scalloped potatoes just before serving to add a pop of green color and fresh herbal fragrance. This simple garnish elevates the dish visually and adds that extra hint of brightness to balance all the richness.
Side Dishes
These creamy, cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. They also complement a crisp, refreshing green salad to add texture contrast and freshness. Don’t forget some steamed veggies to round out your meal with color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant feast, serve individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe dishes. Top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or even some crispy bacon bits for an indulgent twist. You can also try adding caramelized onions between the layers for a touch of sweetness or swap cheddar for a mix of cheeses to tailor it to your taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the scalloped potatoes tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
This Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil near the end to refresh that gorgeous golden top. You can also microwave individual servings, though the oven method helps keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and buttery taste, but you can use Russet potatoes in this recipe. Just note that Russets tend to be starchier and may result in a slightly different texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the sauce flavorful and still vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the creamy richness.
How can I make the scalloped potatoes gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to whisk it thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve the same creamy consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered overnight. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from the fridge.
What kind of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese gives a bold cheesy flavor that beautifully complements the creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment with extra-sharp or a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a richer profile.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s wonderfully comforting but also elegant enough to impress guests without a fuss. The way the potatoes soak up that creamy, cheesy sauce is pure magic—perfect for any occasion when you want a little extra warmth and love on your dinner table. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite side dish!
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Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce with onions, garlic, and thyme. It’s a comforting, hearty side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, delivering rich flavors and a golden, bubbly top.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandolin slicer, peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into even thickness slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Lightly season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato layer. Repeat by layering the remaining potatoes and topping them with the rest of the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the sauce to meld.
- Bake Uncovered Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step browns the top and creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving to add a pleasant aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer for uniform potato slices, which ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian friendly.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by controlling the amount of flour and liquids based on your preference.
- For a richer flavor, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- If you prefer a crustier top, sprinkle extra cheese before the final 30 minutes of baking uncovered.
