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Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Best Holiday Side Dish

easy cheesy scalloped potatoes - featured image

These Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the side dish that steals the show without stealing your time. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly browned on top, this forgiving recipe is perfect for holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes (about 5–6 medium), scrubbed and sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded (optional, or substitute with Swiss or extra cheddar)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Slice potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Place in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  4. Layer one-third of the potato slices in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping. Pour about ¼ of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with about ½ cup of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère. Repeat layers two more times, ending with a final layer of potatoes and remaining cream mixture.
  5. Top with remaining cheddar, Gruyère, and all of the Parmesan. Dot with butter pieces.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and check if potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If not, re-cover and bake 10 more minutes. Then bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until top is deep golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance; add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, holiday side dish, easy side dish, potato casserole, Christmas side dish, Thanksgiving side dish