Let’s be honest—there are regular potatoes, and then there are scalloped potatoes. You know exactly the kind I’m talking about: bubbling around the edges, golden on top, and layered with slices so soft they practically melt under your fork. This is comfort food at its finest, and once you make these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes from scratch, there’s absolutely no going back to the boxed version.
The first time I made this dish was for a laid-back Sunday family dinner. I genuinely thought I’d overdone it with the portions. Turns out, I underestimated everyone’s love for cheesy potatoes. The dish was scraped clean—yes, scraped. I’m not naming names, but one family member went in with a spoon like it was the last bite on earth.
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes (thinly sliced) – 4 cups
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 1½ cups
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper – a small dash (just enough to wake things up)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – 1 cup
- Grated cheese for topping – ½ cup
- Paprika – for a pop of color
Simple ingredients. Big-time comfort.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish. This step is small but mighty—it keeps those potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Start the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Let it cook for about a minute to remove that raw flour taste—no rushing here.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the cold milk, a little at a time, to keep things silky and lump-free. Add the salt and a pinch of cayenne. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and gently bubbles.
4. Bring on the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar. Watch as it melts into the sauce, turning it rich, creamy, and impossible to resist.
5. Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top and finish with a light dusting of paprika. Bake uncovered for about 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.
7. Rest Before Serving
As tempting as it is, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Then—serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite.
💡 Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Slice evenly: Thin, uniform slices cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer works wonders here.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Switch up the cheese: Gruyère, Colby Jack, or even a mix can add a fun flavor twist.
🥘 What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are the ultimate sidekick. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or even a simple green salad for balance. And if you happen to sneak a bite straight from the dish before serving… well, you’re definitely not alone.
Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly comforting—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 💛🥔