Irresistible Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, nothing beats a steaming dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic side dish pairs thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles to golden perfection. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or seeking a cozy indulgence for yourself, this recipe is sure to win hearts—and maybe even a second helping. In our household, it’s a favorite that often takes center stage as a main dish for my hubby!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
Rich and Creamy Flavor: Each bite is loaded with cheesy, buttery goodness.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a standalone meal.

Ingredients and Their Roles

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have a naturally buttery texture and hold their shape well during baking.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a creamy sauce.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The key thickener for the sauce, ensuring a velvety texture.
4 cups milk: Provides the base for the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and depth.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for that signature cheesy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for precision and ease.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, milk, salt, and pepper.
Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with the melted butter and 1/4 cup of flour to coat them evenly.
Spread half of the potatoes into the baking dish.
Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
Layer the remaining potatoes on top and pour over the rest of the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture is unmatched for scalloped dishes.
Even Slices: Ensures uniform cooking. Uneven slices may result in some potatoes being undercooked.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Cheese Variations: For a flavor twist, try mixing in Gruyère or Parmesan with the cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with:
- Roast chicken or glazed ham for a traditional dinner.
- Steamed green beans or a crisp salad to add freshness.
- A dollop of sour cream or fresh chives for garnish to elevate the presentation.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers gourmet-level results. The creamy sauce and golden-brown cheese topping make it impossible to resist, and the comforting flavors keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit into casual family meals or holiday feasts.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they're a show-stopper. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating your family to a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Love this recipe? Bookmark it, share it, and keep coming back for more comfort food classics. Bon appétit!