Alright flavor adventurers, get ready for a ride! I’m about to drop my ultimate recipe for cheesy scalloped potatoes, and let me tell you, this isn’t your grandma’s bland bake. We’re talking CREAMY, dreamy, and exploding with so much cheesy goodness, it’ll make you wanna slap yo’ mama (but don’t actually do that!).

I knew I had to share this recipe when my neighbor, Mr. Henderson (the pickiest eater EVER), literally licked his plate clean after trying my version of cheesy scalloped potatoes. His exact words? “Quinn, this is… actually edible. And… good!” That’s high praise coming from him, trust me! That’s when I knew this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe was ready for the world.

This recipe embodies everything Cuba Queen is about: bold flavors, simple techniques, and food that makes you feel like you’re at a fiesta, even if it’s just a Tuesday night. I’ve tweaked, tested, and tasted this recipe more times than I can count, all to bring you the BEST cheesy scalloped potatoes you’ve ever had. And now, I’m spilling ALL the saucy secrets! Get ready to turn your kitchen into a cheesy scalloped potatoes powerhouse!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This cheesy scalloped potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re focusing on quality over quantity to build maximum flavor. Don’t skimp on the cheese – that’s where the magic happens!

Fresh ingredients including potatoes, cheese, and spices for making cheesy scalloped potatoes

3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes: Thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Trust me, Yukon Golds are the BEST for creamy texture.
1 large Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced. Adds a sweet and savory base.
4 cloves Garlic: Minced. Because everything is better with garlic!
4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: For creating a rich, flavorful roux.
4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce into pure cheesy perfection.
3 cups Whole Milk: Whole milk is the KEY to that ultra-creamy texture. Don’t even THINK about using skim!
2 cups Heavy Cream: Because we’re going for maximum indulgence.
8 oz Gruyere Cheese: Grated. This is my secret weapon for cheesy scalloped potatoes. It melts beautifully and has a nutty, complex flavor.
8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated. For that classic cheesy tang!
1/2 tsp Nutmeg: Freshly grated. Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cheese.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy – season generously!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color.

The secret to EPIC cheesy scalloped potatoes is using Gruyere instead of all cheddar. The Gruyere adds a level of sophistication that will have everyone begging for your recipe!

You’ll find the best Gruyere for this cheesy scalloped potatoes at your local cheese shop or a well-stocked grocery store. Look for a firm, aged Gruyere for the best flavor.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible cheesy scalloped potatoes you’ve ever tasted. Don’t stress – your cheesy scalloped potatoes is going to be INCREDIBLE!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial!
Prepare the potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. Even slices ensure even cooking.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the roux: Whisk in the flour into the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
Add the milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Cheese it up!: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Gruyere and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This cheesy scalloped potatoes sauce is about to blow your mind!
Layer it up: Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layers twice, ending with a layer of cheese sauce.
Bake to perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. In my kitchen, this cheesy scalloped potatoes takes exactly 60 minutes total – but oven times vary, so keep an eye on it.
Rest before serving: Let the cheesy scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Pro tip for cheesy scalloped potatoes perfection: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish! If you have too many potatoes, use two smaller dishes. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking. Here’s where most people mess up their cheesy scalloped potatoes – but not you!

While your cheesy scalloped potatoes is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! And don’t forget to share your creations with me!

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is EVERYTHING! You can’t just slap this cheesy scalloped potatoes on a plate and call it a day. We’re going for “wow” factor!

First, let’s talk about plating. A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this cheesy scalloped potatoes at potlucks! It’s always the first dish to disappear.

Here are some bold pairing suggestions that complement cheesy scalloped potatoes:

Grilled Steak: The richness of the cheesy scalloped potatoes pairs perfectly with a juicy steak. For another bold flavor adventure, check out these Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes.
Roasted Chicken: A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Green Beans: Adds a vibrant green element to the plate and a contrasting texture.

This cheesy scalloped potatoes absolutely slays at holiday dinners! It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. This cheesy scalloped potatoes reminds me of another flavor explosion that you might love: Cheesy Veggie Crescent Bites

Leftover cheesy scalloped potatoes? No problem! Transform it into a breakfast casserole by adding some scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon. Boom!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! I’ve made this cheesy scalloped potatoes so many times, I know it like the back of my hand. Here are some common questions I get from my flavor adventurers:

Can I make this cheesy scalloped potatoes spicier?
- Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. That extra kick will be awesome!
What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese for my cheesy scalloped potatoes?
- No worries! You can substitute it with Swiss cheese or Fontina. They have similar melting properties and a mild, nutty flavor.
Can I use a different type of potato?
- While I highly recommend Yukon Golds for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes. Just be sure to soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before slicing to remove excess starch.
How do I know when my cheesy scalloped potatoes is perfectly done?
- The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden brown and bubbly. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
Can I make this cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this cheesy scalloped potatoes?
- While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The potatoes might become a bit softer. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
My cheese sauce is lumpy! What do I do?
- Don’t panic! Whisk the sauce vigorously over low heat until the lumps disappear. You can also use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

Trust me, after testing this recipe countless times, I’ve seen it all! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Remember, cooking is all about having fun! If you like this au gratin potatoes recipe, check out this alternative recipe from Ambitious Kitchen’s au gratin potatoes.

CONCLUSION:

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, comforting classics, and food that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, while still being exciting and delicious. This creamy potatoes recipe is sure to be a winner!

A serving dish filled with cheesy scalloped potatoes, garnished with parsley

My cheesy scalloped potatoes Power Tips:

Use high-quality cheese: It makes a HUGE difference in the flavor!
Don’t skip the nutmeg: It adds a subtle warmth that elevates the dish.
Let it rest: This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Here are a few cheesy scalloped potatoes variations I’ve created and loved:

Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add diced jalapeños and crispy bacon for a spicy and savory twist.
Spinach and Artichoke Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a veggie-packed version.
Smoked Gouda Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Substitute smoked Gouda for the cheddar for a smoky, sophisticated flavor.

The Jalapeño Popper cheesy scalloped potatoes version gets the biggest reactions! People go absolutely crazy for it! If you like the idea of the variation, check out another similar recipe from Love and Lemons’ scalloped potatoes. And if you just want the classic style, you can try I Am Baker’s Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.

I’m confident that you can make this cheesy scalloped potatoes your signature dish. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, get in the kitchen, crank up the music, and create some cheesy scalloped potatoes memories!

Now it’s your turn, flavor adventurers! Share your cheesy scalloped potatoes creations with me on social media! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Go forth and create some cheesy magic! ✨🔥🌮

cheesy scalloped potatoes

Print Recipe

Indulge in creamy, cheesy comfort with this classic scalloped potatoes recipe. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce make for the perfect side dish or satisfying main course.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a layer of thinly sliced ham or bacon between the potato layers. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.