Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes | The Ultimate Christmas Dinner Side Dish

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring layers of tender potatoes, rich cream, and gooey cheddar together in one irresistible bake. The golden, bubbly top makes it a holiday-worthy dish that’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for your Christmas dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

There’s just something about Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that makes them impossible to resist. Each bite combines tender slices of potato with a creamy sauce that’s infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika. The top layer bakes into a bubbly, golden crust thanks to plenty of cheddar, giving you the best mix of gooey and crispy textures.

This recipe is a holiday lifesaver too. With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you’ll have a side dish that pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or even roast beef. Plus, it serves six, so it’s ideal for family gatherings or festive potlucks.

Even better, it can be made ahead and reheated without losing its creamy goodness. That means less stress and more time spent with your loved ones during busy celebrations. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that screams Christmas, this one absolutely delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes – best varieties for creaminess

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best here. They soak up the cream sauce while baking and turn tender without getting watery. A mandoline or sharp knife helps you achieve thin, even slices.

Dairy – cream and milk for the sauce

Double cream and whole milk make the sauce velvety and rich. Warming them gently with garlic and seasonings before baking ensures the potatoes absorb flavor from the start.

Cheese – why cheddar works best

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, bringing sharpness and gooey texture to every layer. Its bold flavor cuts through the cream, creating the perfect balance of richness.

Seasonings – garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Garlic brings a savory punch, onion powder adds depth, and paprika gives warmth with a hint of color. Salt and pepper tie it all together for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Butter – for richness and to grease the dish

A touch of butter prevents sticking and adds extra flavor. It also helps crisp the edges of the top layer while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the potatoes

Wash, peel, and thinly slice your potatoes. Even slices ensure they cook evenly, so take your time or use a mandoline if you have one.

Making the creamy sauce

In a saucepan, gently heat double cream and milk with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t let it boil; just warm until fragrant so the flavors blend together.

Layering the potatoes, sauce, and cheese

Grease your baking dish with butter. Place half the potato slices on the bottom in a neat layer. Pour half the cream mixture over them, then sprinkle with half the grated cheddar. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.

Baking covered and uncovered for perfect texture

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften in the creamy sauce. Then remove the foil and bake another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden, bubbling, and slightly crisp.

Resting and serving

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This short wait helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and watch it disappear fast.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

How to slice potatoes evenly

Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp chef’s knife. Even slices ensure uniform cooking and prevent some potatoes from being too soft while others stay firm.

Why starchy potatoes are key

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have enough starch to thicken the sauce while baking. Waxy potatoes won’t absorb the cream as well and may leave the dish watery.

How to avoid a watery sauce

Warm the cream mixture before layering. This helps the sauce start thickening as it bakes. Also, avoid rinsing the potatoes after slicing; their natural starch helps keep the sauce creamy.

Flavor variations and add-ins

Want to switch it up? Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even crispy bacon bits for a smoky kick. For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Preparing in advance for holidays

You can assemble this dish up to a day ahead. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10 extra minutes of covered baking time if starting from cold.

Storing leftovers in the fridge

Once cooled, cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making reheated servings just as delicious.

Reheating for best results

For reheating, skip the microwave if you can. Instead, warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the potatoes from turning rubbery.

Related Recipes to try

• More Christmas Dinner Recipes
• Bacon Brussels Sprouts
• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
• Christmas Salmon

Conclusion | Serve Up Comfort at Your Christmas Dinner

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of side dish that everyone looks forward to. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top, they bring warmth and comfort to any holiday table. Plus, with easy make-ahead options, they’re as practical as they are delicious. Pair them with roasted meats or festive veggies, and you’ve got a Christmas spread that will impress every guest.

For even more inspiration, check out seasonal ideas on Pinterest to round out your holiday menu.

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