Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring tender potatoes, sweet onion, and creamy cheddar sauce together in one cozy Thanksgiving side dish. Plus, that golden, crisp top makes every cheesy bite hard to resist.
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Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes taste rich and comforting without requiring complicated ingredients. You get tender potato slices covered in a thick, smooth cheddar sauce, while the onions add a mild savory sweetness.
Also, this recipe works beautifully for Thanksgiving because it feeds eight people. You only need about 15 minutes of prep time, so you can focus on the turkey and other holiday favorites while the potatoes bake.
In fact, I love how familiar this dish feels on a holiday table. The creamy center and golden top make it the kind of side everyone reaches for again.
The recipe takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish. It works best in an 8×8 inch or 2 quart baking dish and makes eight servings at about 346 calories each.
Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Russet potatoes: Russets have plenty of starch, so they turn tender while helping create that classic creamy texture.
Yellow onion: Onion adds gentle sweetness and savory flavor between the potato slices.
Unsalted butter: Butter creates the rich base for the cheese sauce and lets you control the final salt level.
All purpose flour: Flour thickens the sauce so it coats the potatoes instead of running to the bottom of the dish.
Kosher salt: Salt seasons the creamy sauce and brings out the flavor of the potatoes and cheddar.
Whole milk: Whole milk gives the sauce a smooth, creamy consistency without making it overly heavy.
Mild cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds the cheesy flavor that makes Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes so comforting. Shredded cheese also melts quickly into the warm sauce.
Salt and pepper: Finally, season the finished potatoes to taste before serving.
Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes
Russet potatoes work especially well because their starch helps the sauce thicken while they bake. They also become wonderfully tender after the long cooking time.
However, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well. They contain enough starch for this recipe, and they offer a naturally creamy texture with a slightly buttery flavor.
For the best results, choose firm potatoes without soft spots. Then peel them before slicing for a smooth, classic texture.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Mild cheddar gives Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes a familiar, family friendly flavor. It melts into the milk sauce and creates a creamy coating around every potato slice.
For smoother melting, shred the cheddar before starting the sauce. Also, add the cheese only after the milk mixture thickens.
Then stir just until the cheddar melts completely. You only need about 30 to 60 seconds to create a smooth cheese sauce.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Next, prepare the potatoes, onion, and cheddar sauce. Once everything comes together, the oven handles most of the work.
Prepare and Slice the Potatoes and Onion
Peel the russet potatoes first. Then slice them evenly, aiming for about 1/4 inch thick slices.
Next, slice the yellow onion into rings. Arrange alternating slices of potato and onion in your prepared baking dish.
Try to keep the potato thickness consistent. As a result, every slice should become tender at roughly the same time.
Make the Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Then whisk in the flour and kosher salt.
Cook the mixture for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Next, gradually stir in the room temperature whole milk.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Then add all the shredded mild cheddar cheese.
Stir for about 30 to 60 seconds, just until the cheddar melts and the sauce looks completely smooth. At this point, you should have a thick, creamy sauce ready to coat the potatoes.
Layer the Potatoes and Add the Cheese Sauce
Once you arrange the potato and onion slices, pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over them. Make sure the sauce reaches across the entire baking dish.
Next, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. The cover helps hold in heat and moisture while the potatoes cook.
Because the slices sit closely together, give the sauce time to work its way around them. As they bake, the potatoes soften and absorb plenty of creamy cheddar flavor.
Bake Until Tender and Golden
Bake the covered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes at 400°F for 85 to 90 minutes. Then check the potatoes for tenderness.
A knife or fork should slide easily into the potato slices. If you feel resistance, continue baking until they soften.
For a crisp golden surface, switch the oven to broil briefly after baking. However, watch the dish closely because the cheese can brown quickly under the broiler.
Finally, add extra salt and pepper to taste. Then serve the potatoes hot alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Simple details make a noticeable difference with this recipe. Most importantly, focus on even potato slices, a smooth sauce, and enough baking time.
Also, remember that thicker potato slices need plenty of time to become tender. Therefore, resist the urge to pull the casserole from the oven too early.
Slice the Potatoes Evenly
Aim for slices between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. However, consistency matters more than making every slice extremely thin.
A mandoline makes quick work of slicing and helps create uniform pieces. Still, a sharp knife works well if you take your time.
Even slices cook at a similar rate. As a result, you avoid a casserole with some potatoes soft and others still firm.
How to Keep the Cheese Sauce Smooth
Start with room temperature milk and add it gradually to the butter and flour mixture. Meanwhile, keep stirring so the sauce develops a smooth consistency.
Next, let the milk mixture thicken before adding the cheese. Then stir in the shredded cheddar until it melts.
You only need about 30 to 60 seconds once you add the cheddar. Therefore, avoid cooking the cheese longer than necessary.
How to Get a Golden, Crispy Top
The covered baking time gives the potatoes a tender texture. However, a quick finish under the broiler creates a much more tempting surface.
Once the potatoes become tender, remove the foil. Then broil briefly until the cheese turns golden and develops crisp spots.
Stay near the oven during this step. Since broilers work quickly, the top can change from golden to overly dark in very little time.
Scalloped Potatoes vs. Potatoes Au Gratin
Traditional scalloped potatoes usually feature sliced potatoes cooked in a creamy sauce. Potatoes au gratin, meanwhile, typically include cheese.
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes combine qualities from both dishes. The recipe uses relatively thick potato slices like classic scalloped potatoes, while cheddar creates the rich cheese sauce associated with au gratin potatoes.
As a result, you get the comfort of both styles in one baking dish. The potatoes stay tender, while the cheddar sauce adds a rich and savory finish.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
You can easily turn Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes into a more substantial meal by adding ham. Simply place pieces of ham between the potato and onion layers.
Then pour the cheese sauce over everything and bake as directed. The salty ham pairs naturally with mild cheddar and creamy potatoes.
This variation also works nicely when you have leftover holiday ham. As a result, you can turn leftovers into an easy, comforting meal without changing the basic recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Holiday cooking gets busy fast, so make ahead dishes can make Thanksgiving much easier. Fortunately, you can assemble these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes the night before.
You can also save leftovers for another meal. However, keep the potatoes chilled properly and reheat them until hot before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time
Prepare the potatoes, onions, and cheddar sauce according to the recipe. Then assemble everything in the baking dish without baking it.
Next, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight. The following day, place the dish in the oven and bake it directly from the refrigerator.
Because the ingredients start cold, they may need a few additional minutes. Therefore, check the center and confirm that the potatoes feel completely tender before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Place leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in a covered container and refrigerate them promptly. You can also cover the baking dish tightly if you plan to keep the leftovers in the same dish.
When you want another serving, reheat the potatoes until hot throughout. For the best texture, avoid excessive heating because the creamy sauce can thicken as moisture evaporates.
If the potatoes seem dry, a small splash of milk can help restore some creaminess. Then heat them gently until warm.
What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes make a rich side for a traditional Thanksgiving turkey. They also taste wonderful beside roasted chicken, baked ham, or another simple holiday main course.
Because the potatoes taste creamy and savory, pair them with lighter vegetable sides for balance. Green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or a crisp salad all work nicely.
Also, cranberry sauce adds a bright, tart contrast to the rich cheddar sauce. Meanwhile, warm rolls can round out a cozy Thanksgiving plate.
For more holiday food inspiration, you can also follow Ellie’s Microwave Recipes on Pinterest. You may find plenty of ideas for planning your next family meal or festive table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Yukon Gold Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes work well in Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes because they contain enough starch to support the creamy sauce.
They also become tender during baking and have a naturally buttery taste. However, russets remain the recommended choice for this recipe.
How Thin Should Potatoes Be Sliced for Scalloped Potatoes?
Slice the potatoes between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. Most importantly, keep the slices as even as possible.
Uniform slices cook at the same rate. Therefore, a mandoline can help if you want quick and consistent slices.
Why Are My Scalloped Potatoes Still Hard?
The potatoes probably need more cooking time, especially if you sliced them thicker than 1/4 inch. Also, uneven slices can cause some pieces to remain firm while others soften.
Can I Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes the Night Before?
Yes. Assemble the potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce in your baking dish, but do not bake them yet.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If your family loves creamy potatoes and cheesy comfort food, try these recipes next:
- creamy cheesy twice baked potatoes
- loaded baked potato salad with cheddar
- ultimate creamy potato soup
- cheesy crock pot potato soup
- cheesy chicken and broccoli stuffed sweet potatoes
- crispy Parmesan sweet potato bites
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring creamy cheddar, tender russet potatoes, and savory onions together in a comforting Thanksgiving side. Plus, the optional golden top gives every serving an irresistible finish.
Best of all, you can assemble the dish ahead of time, which makes holiday cooking much easier. Serve these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes warm, and do not be surprised when someone reaches for seconds.
