Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Southern

Featured in: Baked Warm Goodness

Experience tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with yellow onions and smothered in a creamy sauce made from whole milk, heavy cream, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Baked to golden perfection, this Southern-inspired casserole delivers a rich, comforting side with smoky paprika and garlic undertones. Perfect for festive holidays or cozy family meals, it’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a fresh finish.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Golden-brown baked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with bubbling cheese and creamy layers, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown baked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with bubbling cheese and creamy layers, ready to serve. | messlitreats.com

A rich decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years bringing warmth and comfort to every meal.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded 1 cup (90 g) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • Pantry & Spices: 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste) ½ tsp ground black pepper ¼ tsp smoked paprika Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Make Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
Add Milk & Cream:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 3–5 minutes.
Season Sauce:
Stir in garlic powder salt pepper and paprika. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese:
Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Layer Potatoes:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
Add Sauce:
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest & Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
A close-up of cheesy, creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, fresh from the oven, offering comforting warmth. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of cheesy, creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, fresh from the oven, offering comforting warmth. | messlitreats.com

Making this together has always been a joyful family moment sharing stories and laughter in the kitchen.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Saucepan Whisk Chefs knife Mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices) Aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains Milk Cheese Butter Dairy Wheat Gluten in flour For gluten-free substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend Always check cheese labels for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 350 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 10 g per serving

Delicious, layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, baked with melted cheese, promising a savory, satisfying side dish. Save to Pinterest
Delicious, layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, baked with melted cheese, promising a savory, satisfying side dish. | messlitreats.com

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation—rich comforting and loved by all ages.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their texture and ability to absorb the creamy sauce while maintaining tenderness.

Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, Gruyère can be swapped for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different but still creamy flavor profile.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to maintain the sauce's thickness without gluten.

What enhances the flavor of this dish?

Adding a pinch of cayenne or layering cooked bacon between potato slices adds depth and a slight smoky kick.

How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently covered to maintain moisture and creaminess.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Southern

Tender potatoes baked in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce for comforting Southern-style sides.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cooking Duration
75 min
Overall Duration
95 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Medium

Cuisine Origin Southern American

Portion Yield 8 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

Vegetables

01 2.5 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
05 4 tbsp unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

01 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
02 1 tsp garlic powder
03 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
04 ½ tsp ground black pepper
05 ¼ tsp smoked paprika
06 Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish using butter.

Step 02

Make roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.

Step 03

Add dairy liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 04

Season sauce: Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Incorporate cheeses: Add 1½ cups sharp cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 06

Layer potatoes and onions: Place half the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish, then layer half the onions over the potatoes.

Step 07

Add half the cheese sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions.

Step 08

Repeat layering: Add the remaining potatoes and onions in an even layer, then pour the remaining cheese sauce on top.

Step 09

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar and Gruyère evenly over the surface.

Step 10

Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 11

Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Rest and garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped chives or parsley and serving.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains milk, cheese, butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten in flour). Substitute flour with gluten-free blend for gluten-free option.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 350
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 10 g