Amazing Cajun Scalloped Potatoes Recipe!

Okay, amiga! Get ready to ditch the boring and embrace the BOOM with this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes recipe. This ain’t your grandma’s potato bake – unless your grandma’s from Louisiana and knows how to party with paprika! I’m talking layers of creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness that’ll have you saying “Ooh la la!” faster than you can say “gumbo.”

Forget subtle. We’re going full-throttle flavor town with this recipe. I spent weeks tweaking this until it hit that perfect balance of creamy comfort and Cajun kick. So many potatoes were harmed in the making of this recipe… but trust me, it was worth it! The key? Don’t skimp on the spices and embrace the Andouille sausage – that’s where the magic really happens.

This Cajun Scalloped Potatoes recipe is EVERYTHING Cuba Queen stands for: bold, unforgettable, and guaranteed to make you feel like a culinary rockstar. I am SO excited to share it with you. Prepare to turn your kitchen into a flavor fiesta!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

Ingredients for making Cajun Scalloped Potatoes including Yukon Gold potatoes, Andouille sausage, cheese, and spices.

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (I like Tony Chachere’s)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference, amiga!)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of butter

This Cajun Scalloped Potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! The secret to EPIC flavor? Using Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russets. They hold their shape better and have a naturally buttery taste. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

The best Andouille sausage for this Cajun potato bake? Source it from a local butcher if you can. Their sausages usually have more flavor than the supermarket brands. But hey, use what you’ve got!

Splurge on the sharp cheddar. Seriously! It makes a HUGE difference in the final flavor of these creamy Cajun potatoes. Look for a block cheese that you can shred yourself – it melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff.

Don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half, but the creaminess won’t be quite as intense. Still delicious, though! Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for future flavor adventures!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is CRUCIAL for preventing your Cajun Scalloped Potatoes from sticking and turning into a hot mess.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes and onions together. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, amiga! We want every layer of these spicy scalloped potatoes bursting with flavor.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The sausage will release amazing flavor and set the tone for the entire dish.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. This is the base of our creamy Cajun sauce, so get it right!
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Your Cajun Scalloped Potatoes are getting closer.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This cheese sauce is the heart and soul of these Cajun au gratin potatoes.
  7. Layer half of the potato and onion mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the Andouille sausage evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the Cajun Scalloped Potatoes. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the Cajun Scalloped Potatoes stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set up slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Here’s where most people mess up their creamy Cajun potatoes – they rush the cooking time! Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before removing them from the oven. While your Cajun Scalloped Potatoes are working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

Okay, flavor adventurers, let’s talk presentation! This Cajun Scalloped Potatoes deserves to be shown off! The easiest way to serve this is straight from the baking dish – it’s rustic and screams “comfort food.” But if you want to get a little fancier, try cutting individual squares and arranging them on plates with a sprig of parsley. This Cajun potato bake absolutely slays at dinner parties!

Pair this creamy Cajun potatoes with something equally bold. Grilled steak or shrimp would be AMAZING. Or, for a true Cajun feast, serve it alongside some jambalaya or gumbo. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes at potlucks!

This is PERFECT for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even just a regular Tuesday night when you need a little extra spice in your life. For an Instagram-worthy presentation, sprinkle a little extra Cajun seasoning on top before serving.

Got leftovers? No problem! These Cajun au gratin potatoes are just as delicious the next day. You can even chop them up and use them as a filling for omelets or breakfast burritos. Check out this recipe for cheesy scalloped potatoes if you are looking for something more simple. For more bold flavor adventures, check out this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe.

For a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the mix in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes spicier?

A: Absolutely, amiga! Add more cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce, or throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can even use a spicier Andouille sausage. This Cajun Scalloped Potatoes is all about customization!

Q: What if I don’t have Andouille sausage?

A: No problem! You can substitute with any smoked sausage, like kielbasa or chorizo. Or, for a vegetarian option, add some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a similar depth of flavor in your Cajun Scalloped Potatoes.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Of course! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious in this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

Q: How do I know when my Cajun Scalloped Potatoes is perfectly done?

A: The potatoes should be fork-tender and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking. I’ve found that in my kitchen, this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes takes exactly 60 minutes total to bake (40 covered, 20 uncovered).

Q: Can I make this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole 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.

Q: What if my cheese sauce is too thick?

A: Add a little more milk or cream until it reaches the desired consistency. I recommend adding a tablespoon at a time to avoid making it too thin. I had this issue when I used a different brand of flour once – now I always measure carefully!

Q: Can I freeze this Cajun Scalloped Potatoes?

A: I don’t recommend freezing this casserole, as the cheese sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh! However, you can always make a smaller batch if you’re worried about leftovers.

We’ve had some great community feedback about this creamy Cajun potatoes recipe. One person even adapted it to use in a casserole with shrimp! If you’re in the mood for creamy, savory deliciousness, this reminds me of another flavor explosion: check out my creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe.

CONCLUSION:

Finished Cajun Scalloped Potatoes with melted cheese and parsley garnish.

This Cajun Scalloped Potatoes isn’t just a recipe – it’s a flavor EXPERIENCE. It’s about bringing that vibrant Cajun spirit right into your kitchen. This spicy scalloped potatoes recipe represents EVERYTHING Cuba Queen stands for: bold, unapologetic flavors that make every meal feel like a celebration.

My Cajun Scalloped Potatoes Power Tips:

  • Don’t skimp on the Cajun seasoning! It’s the key to that authentic flavor.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and taste.
  • Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Here are a few Cajun Scalloped Potatoes variations I’ve experimented with and LOVED:

  • Cajun Scalloped Potatoes with Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp to the potato layers.
  • Spicy Scalloped Potatoes with Chorizo: Substitute the Andouille for chorizo.
  • Creamy Cajun Potatoes with Jalapenos: Add diced jalapenos for extra heat.

The shrimp version ALWAYS gets the biggest reactions at my parties. It disappears faster than I can say “bon appétit!” I’m confident that with this recipe, your kitchen will become a haven for flavor. Share your version on my Facebook group, or find more inspiration for a Cajun potatoes au gratin recipe.

Amiga, I know you can do this! Now go forth and create some amazing Cajun Scalloped Potatoes memories! Don’t forget to tag me in your photos – I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces!🔥✨

And just so we are clear on the variations, another excellent potato based casserole is the Potato Casserole with Andouille Sausage – Joyous Apron.

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Cajun Scalloped Potatoes

These creamy and comforting Cajun Scalloped Potatoes are loaded with flavor and a touch of spice. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
  7. Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour a layer of cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layers until all potatoes and sauce are used, ending with a layer of sauce.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use Gruyere or Parmesan cheese in addition to cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can also add cooked bacon or sausage to the potato layers for a heartier dish.

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