Print

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Easy 30-Min Recipe

creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes - featured image

These Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are tender, creamy, and cheesy, ready in just 30 minutes. A quick and easy comfort food side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Peel and slice potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds. Place slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over onion mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until smooth. Add heavy cream and continue stirring until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until each addition is fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  7. Drain potato slices and pat dry. Layer potatoes in the prepared dish, overlapping slightly. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with two more layers of potatoes and sauce, ensuring the top layer is fully covered.
  8. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly and potatoes are tender. Optionally broil for 2 minutes for a deeper crust.
  10. Let dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Let dish rest before serving to allow sauce to set. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance; add 10-15 minutes to covered baking time if starting from cold. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, creamy potatoes, easy side dish, comfort food, 30-minute recipe