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Cheesy Potato Casserole

Featured in Family Dinners.

This Cheesy Potato Casserole turns simple spuds into a buttery, three-cheese masterpiece. Delicate potato layers are combined with a creamy sauce packed with cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, and then topped with golden, broiled cheese. Thanks to caramelized onions and a flexible sauce option, you can make it your own. Whether you layer horizontally or vertically, you’ll enjoy rich flavor in every bite. Though it needs 90 minutes to cook, most of that’s hands-off, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or holiday feasts.
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Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:51:04 GMT
Cheesy Potato Casserole Pin it
Cheesy Potato Casserole | tasteofmoms.com

This hearty scalloped potato dish has become my most requested recipe at family gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes layered with a rich three-cheese sauce and caramelized onions creates comfort food magic that always disappears quickly from the table.

When I first served these at Thanksgiving, they upstaged the turkey! The key is taking time with each component, especially the sauce and onions.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: Choose starchy Russets or waxy Yukons - both work beautifully
  • Butter: Unsalted, allowing better seasoning control
  • Cheese: Mix of sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch
  • Milk: Whole milk creates the richest sauce
  • Onions: Sweet varieties caramelize best
  • Garlic: Fresh minced provides best flavor distribution

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creamy and easy cheesy scalloped potatoes, baked to golden perfection for a comforting side dish. Pin it
Creamy and easy cheesy scalloped potatoes, baked to golden perfection for a comforting side dish. | tasteofmoms.com
Perfect White Sauce Creation:
Melt butter slowly to prevent browning. Cook flour until raw taste disappears. Add milk gradually while whisking. Keep temperature moderate. Watch for proper thickening.
Onion Caramelization:
Slice onions uniformly thin. Use medium-low heat consistently. Stir occasionally, not constantly. Look for golden-brown color. Takes about 20-25 minutes for perfection.
Potato Preparation:
Use mandoline for consistent thickness. Keep slices in cold water. Dry thoroughly before layering. Maintain even ⅛-inch thickness. Remove any green spots.
Assembly Strategy:
Start with thin layer of sauce. Overlap potato slices slightly. Season each layer individually. Distribute onions evenly. End with generous cheese topping.
Baking Method:
Cover with foil for first 35 minutes. Remove foil to allow browning. Test doneness with knife. Watch carefully during broiling. Let rest before serving.

My grandmother always said that scalloped potatoes are all about patience - from the sauce to the layering to the baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These potatoes actually improve with time as the flavors meld together. You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from refrigerated. Leftovers will keep beautifully for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts covered in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Cheese Variations Worth Trying

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different cheese combinations. For a sharper flavor profile try using aged white cheddar, gruyère, and asiago. For a milder, creamier result fontina, colby, and monterey jack work wonderfully. Blue cheese lovers can add a small amount of crumbled gorgonzola between layers for unexpected flavor pops. The only rule is to include at least one melting cheese like mozzarella to maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

While these potatoes shine as a holiday side dish they also elevate everyday meals. Pair them with a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak for Sunday dinner. For brunch, serve alongside a frittata with a simple green salad. They even work as a vegetarian main course when paired with roasted vegetables and a bright acidic salad to balance the richness. I often make a double batch specifically to ensure leftovers which reheat beautifully for quick weeknight meals.

Layered scalloped potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce, simple and delicious. Pin it
Layered scalloped potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce, simple and delicious. | tasteofmoms.com

These scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and worth every minute of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of potatoes should I use?
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work great. Cut them about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking.
→ How do I check if the potatoes are done?
After 45-60 minutes, poke them with a fork. They’re done if it slides in easily.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
Totally! Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, covered, and reheat when needed.
→ How can I make the sauce creamier?
Just use less cheese and add a splash more milk. That’ll thin the sauce a bit.
→ What cheese blend is best to use?
A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Cheesy Potato Layers

Soft potato slices nestled in a cheesy sauce with sweet onions. Warm, hearty, and just right for cozy meals.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Potatoes

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 small onion, sliced very thinly
03 About 4-6 potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, 2 lbs total), cut into 1/8-inch slices

→ Cheesy Sauce

04 1/4 cup of butter, unsalted (56g)
05 2 1/2 cups whole milk
06 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (28g)
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 Salt to taste (start with 1/2 - 1 teaspoon)
11 A teaspoon of garlic, chopped finely
12 One cup of shredded cheese blend (equal parts mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar)

→ Finish

13 Shredded cheese mix (1 cup)
14 Fresh parsley (minced, for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Butter the inside of your casserole dish (try a 7x11-inch oval one).

Step 02

In a small nonstick pot on medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour for 1 minute, toss in garlic and seasonings, and keep stirring another minute. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring as you go. Mix in the cheeses until they melt. Don't let it turn too thick—it'll thicken more in the oven.

Step 03

Slice the onion into thin rings and cook in olive oil until it's soft and golden brown.

Step 04

Wash and cut the potatoes about 1/8-inch thick (a mandoline slicer makes this easier!).

Step 05

Pour a cup of sauce into the base of your dish. Lay potatoes either flat with sauce between layers, or stand them upright and pour sauce on top. Add those golden onions too, and finish up with the rest of the sauce.

Step 06

Place in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Test with a fork—if it goes through the potatoes easily, they're done.

Step 07

Scatter the remaining shredded cheese on top and stick it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until melted and bubbly. Sprinkle parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Don't want it super cheesy? Use less cheese and stir in extra milk to thin the sauce.
  2. Cover leftovers in plastic wrap, and they'll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  3. Cooking time may vary depending on your type of potatoes or the size of your pan.
  4. If you're adding parmesan, hold back on the salt.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 7x11-inch oval casserole or baking dish
  • Mandoline slicer (optional but helpful for thin potato slices)
  • Nonstick pot or pan
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy ingredients like butter, milk, and multiple cheeses
  • Has wheat (due to flour)