Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Alright, these cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes? They’re creamy, rich, and packed with layers of tender potatoes smothered in melty cheese and garlic goodness. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals the whole show.

I made them one holiday and honestly—everyone forgot about the main course. Thinly sliced potatoes, a buttery garlic cream sauce, and lots of cheese baked until golden and bubbly. It smelled amazing and tasted even better.

Each bite is soft, cheesy, and full of that slow-baked comfort. Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying. Let’s get them in the oven—you’re gonna be going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A True Classic, Made Better: This recipe keeps all the nostalgic flavor of traditional scalloped potatoes but upgrades it with fresh garlic, real cheeses, and a smooth homemade sauce.
• Creamy Without Being Heavy: The sauce uses a balanced mix of milk and broth instead of just cream, which keeps it rich but not overly heavy.
• Layered for Flavor: The garlic and onion are cooked in butter before being added to the roux, giving each layer a mellow, savory base.
• No Pre-Boiling Needed: The potatoes cook completely in the oven, soaking up flavor as they soften. No parboiling means less mess and more taste.
• Adaptable for Every Season: Serve it with roast chicken in fall, glazed ham at Christmas, or grilled steak in summer. It never feels out of place.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
  You’ll spend most of this time slicing potatoes, grating cheese, and making the sauce. A mandoline helps if you want very thin, uniform slices.
• Cook Time: 1 hour
  The dish bakes uncovered at 375°F, allowing the top to crisp slightly while the potatoes turn tender beneath.
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
  (Plus a few minutes to rest before serving—this helps the sauce set slightly.)

Servings

• This recipe makes 1 medium baking dish (9×9-inch or 8×11-inch) which serves 8 people as a side dish.
• To serve a larger group or for holiday gatherings, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on the top.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-Friendly
This is a great recipe for cooks at any level. If you’re new to making a roux or building a cheese sauce from scratch, this is an ideal place to start. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are familiar. Plus, the dish is forgiving—if your potatoes aren’t sliced perfectly, or your sauce thickens a bit too much, the final bake smooths everything out.

Tips Before You Begin

• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic is a key player here. Mincing it finely or using a garlic press ensures even flavor throughout the sauce.
• Slice Evenly: Thin slices (about 1/8 inch) ensure the potatoes cook evenly. A mandoline makes this quicker and easier.
• Shred Cheese by Hand: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. If possible, use block cheese and grate it yourself.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce settle so it doesn’t run when served.

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure smooth prep and baking, gather these tools before you start:

• Mandoline slicer or sharp chef’s knife: For even, thin potato slices
• Cutting board and garlic press: For prepping the onion and garlic
• Medium saucepan: To make the garlic cheese sauce
• Whisk and silicone spatula: To stir the roux and fold in cheese
• 9×9-inch or 8×11-inch baking dish: Any medium-sized oven-safe dish works
• Box grater: If shredding cheese by hand (recommended)
• Foil (optional): For tenting if the top browns too quickly during baking

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

These simple ingredients come together to create layers of comfort and flavor. Be sure to use fresh garlic and shred the cheese yourself if possible for best texture.

For the Potatoes and Sauce:

• 2.5 to 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick, unpeeled)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or 2% if needed)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Cheese Blend:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Follow these step-by-step directions for perfectly tender, golden scalloped potatoes:

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×11-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

• Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
• Form a roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the flour is golden and no dry bits remain.
• Add liquids: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go to keep the mixture smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Season: Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Melt in cheese: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, turn the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Layers

• Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them in rows.
• Pour half of the garlic cheese sauce over the potatoes and gently spread to cover.
• Repeat with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the sauce.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for that golden crust.

4. Bake

• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for 25–30 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Rest and Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and keeps it from running.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a mandoline for consistent thin slices. Uneven slices may lead to undercooked or mushy spots.
• Stir the sauce constantly as it thickens to prevent scorching.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, giving the sauce a smoother consistency.
• Taste the sauce before layering. Adjust salt if needed, depending on your cheese and broth.
• Don’t rush the rest time after baking—it helps the sauce firm up for cleaner serving.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/8 of recipe)
Calories	310
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	460mg
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	4g
Protein	11g
Calcium	220mg
Iron	1.2mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble the scalloped potatoes, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 30–40 minutes.

Can I use russet or red potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
Yes, though Yukon gold is preferred for its creamy texture. Russets work well but may break down more, while red potatoes hold their shape but are waxier.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The dish is done when the potatoes are tender all the way through (check with a knife or fork), and the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Try layering in thin slices of ham, cooked bacon, or even sauteed mushrooms or spinach for a more hearty dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes bring warmth and richness to any meal with just a few humble ingredients. This dish is all about balance: thin, tender potatoes meet a garlicky, creamy cheese sauce that’s flavorful without being heavy. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, glazed ham, or a simple green salad, it always finds a welcome place on the table.

Take your time with each layer, don’t rush the sauce, and let it bake slowly. The result? A golden, bubbling tray of comfort you’ll want to make again and again.