There’s nothing quite like a pan of freshly baked scalloped potatoes bubbling with a rich, cheesy sauce. This Focus Keyword recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level—each slice of potato is tender, creamy, and layered with a blend of cheeses that melt perfectly together. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a festive holiday meal, these scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Golden on top and irresistibly creamy inside, this potato casserole brings together the best of both worlds—scalloped potatoes and au gratin in one dish. It’s indulgent, rich, and so satisfying that you’ll want to serve it again and again.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
This dish is what comfort food dreams are made of—soft potatoes, a velvety sauce, and just the right amount of melted cheese. Every bite is hearty, creamy, and filled with flavor. It’s one of those sides that somehow manages to outshine the main course.
My family absolutely loves this recipe. Honestly, if I let them, they’d eat these creamy potatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! The Focus Keyword recipe is simple enough for everyday cooking but special enough to grace your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy: Thanks to a blend of heavy cream, mayonnaise, and sour cream, the sauce turns rich and luscious.
- Cheesy Perfection: A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack gives the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist this golden, bubbling casserole.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with ham, roast chicken, turkey, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Their high starch content helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a creamier consistency.
Cheese: Use a combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterrey Jack for creaminess. For the best texture, grate your cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
Cream Base: Heavy whipping cream delivers that luxurious consistency, but you can lighten it slightly with half-and-half. For a lactose-free version, try plant-based cream and dairy-free sour cream.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Toppings: A little extra cheese on top ensures that golden, bubbly finish. Sprinkle fresh parsley or sliced green onions before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be thick and smooth—it will coat the potatoes perfectly as they bake.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Thin slices are key to even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer if you have one, but handle it carefully—always use a food holder or protective gloves. If you’re slicing by hand, use a sharp knife and aim for uniform thickness.
Pro Tip: Don’t soak the potatoes in water before baking—keeping the natural starch helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Spread a small amount of the cream mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Arrange one-third of the potato slices evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle one-third of the cheese blend over the potatoes, then spoon over one-third of the sauce.
- Repeat the layers twice more—potatoes, cheese, sauce—until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
The layering process ensures every bite is cheesy, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. For best results, spray the underside of the foil with a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
After 60 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it slides through easily, your potatoes are perfectly tender.
Make It Ahead
If you’re preparing this dish for a big event or holiday dinner, you can assemble it in advance.
- To prep ahead: Follow the recipe through the layering step, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To bake later: Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it warm slightly. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it’s starting from cold.
This make-ahead option is perfect for busy schedules and lets you enjoy more time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Don’t Rush the Baking: The low and slow method ensures creamy layers and tender potatoes.
- Let It Rest: After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. It helps the sauce thicken and makes cutting easier.
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Gruyère, mozzarella, or even Parmesan can add a fun twist to your Focus Keyword recipe.
- Add Extras: For a heartier version, mix in cooked bacon, ham, or caramelized onions between layers.
Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 min
Description
This Focus Keyword recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience — thinly sliced potatoes layered with two kinds of cheese and baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you crave something cozy and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
3 lbs (about 1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Topping
1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a blend)
Fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray. -
Make the Cream Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes very thinly and evenly. Keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly. -
Assemble the Layers:
Spread a few spoonfuls of the cream mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer one-third of the potato slices evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle one-third of both cheeses over the potatoes, then spoon one-third of the cream mixture on top.
Repeat the process two more times until all ingredients are used. Finish with an extra layer of cheese on top. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover with foil (spray the underside with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. -
Check Doneness:
Insert a knife or fork into the center — if it slides in easily, the potatoes are fully cooked. -
Serve:
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 min
