Creamy Scalloped Potatoes – Cheesy, Rich & Perfect Comfort Side

These creamy scalloped potatoes are tender, cheesy, and baked in a rich, velvety sauce with golden edges. This is one of the best classic potato side dishes—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want pure comfort food.

Thinly sliced potatoes soak up a creamy garlic sauce and bake until soft inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crispy top.

If you love easy baked potato recipes, this one is a must-have.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~430 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or chives
• Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish.

2. Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in flour and cook for another minute.

Slowly whisk in:

• milk
• heavy cream

Add salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Layer the Potatoes

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
Pour half of the sauce over them.

Add remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the sauce.

4. Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Rest & Serve

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs.

Pro Tips (What Makes This 10/10)

• Slice potatoes evenly → ensures even cooking
• Don’t skip resting time → sauce thickens perfectly
• Use a mix of cheeses → deeper flavor
• Bake covered first → prevents drying out

Best Variations

• Add bacon bits for extra flavor
• Use Gruyère for a more classic taste
• Add caramelized onions for depth

Serving Suggestions

• Roast chicken
• Steak or beef dishes
• Holiday meals
• Simple green salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but best texture is fresh.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in fridge up to 3 days, reheat in oven.