Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that warms the soul, you’re in for a treat with this Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish blends creamy, cheesy goodness with tender potatoes baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing a side dish to your family gathering, this recipe is simple yet irresistibly delicious. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to help you nail it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe are pantry staples that work harmoniously for that classic rich taste. I always recommend choosing good-quality potatoes and fresh cheese because they really make a difference in taste and texture.

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for scalloping; they soften nicely while holding their shape.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the creamy sauce — thin slices blend beautifully throughout.
• Butter: Essential for that silky roux base and rich flavor.
• Salt: Balances all the flavors, so don’t skimp here.
• Pepper: Just a touch to add a little warmth and contrast.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that luscious, velvety texture.
• Milk: Use whole milk if you can for a creamier consistency, but 2% works too.
• Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar gives the signature cheesy punch; freshly shredded melts best.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for a lovely extra layer of flavor and a golden crust.

Variations

I like to keep my Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe classic most times, but I’ve tried a few tweaks here and there to suit different tastes or dietary needs—you can definitely make this recipe your own!

• Mushroom and Herb Variation: I once added sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, which gave the dish an earthy twist that my family loved.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk and use vegan cheese to make it dairy-free—though the texture shifts a bit, it’s still creamy and tasty.
• Extra Cheesy: For a seriously indulgent twist, try mixing in some Gruyère or mozzarella with the cheddar for extra gooeyness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle warmth.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Carefully

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish—you can use cooking spray or butter. Then, peel your russet potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly; this is key for cooking through and creating tender layers. Thinly slice the small onion as well—it’ll cook right into the sauce and add subtle sweetness.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small pot over low heat, melt the butter gently. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth—that’s your roux. Then slowly whisk in the milk, about half a cup at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it to a boil, stirring often—once it thickens and starts bubbling, let it boil for 1-2 minutes to fully cook out the raw flour taste. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced onions to soften them in the hot sauce.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Now for the fun part: start layering your potatoes in the baking dish by slightly overlapping them for even coverage. Spoon about one-third of your creamy sauce over the potatoes to coat them nicely. Repeat the layering two more times—potatoes, then sauce—until everything is in the dish and ready to bake.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you want that extra flavor and a crispy finish, feel free to add some Parmesan here too. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes—that gentle steaming cooks the potatoes through. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is thick and the top has that irresistible crust.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts the rich, creamy potatoes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs exceptionally well with simple roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a juicy steak. When I’m going for a cozy meal, I serve it with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this recipe in small, individual ramekins for charming personal servings. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting right at the table. Plus, everyone gets their own crispy cheesy top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the dish cools completely, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which is perfect for lunch the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing scalloped potatoes when packed in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture might be just a touch softer, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the creamy texture without drying out the potatoes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the sauce separate a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a true family favorite that I keep coming back to because of how comforting and straightforward it is. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s always a hit with everyone around the table. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself adding this to your own “go-to” recipe list — perfect for any occasion where you want a little extra love in your meal.

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