Dinner

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

ByChloe Raven August 5, 2025August 5, 2025

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, garlicky layers of Yukon Gold potatoes are cozied up in a velvety cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a show-stealing side, but if you’re like me, you might just make a meal out of it! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply craving some ultra-comforting potato goodness, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These everyday ingredients are all you need to create pure cheesy bliss. Each plays a starring role in giving Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes their irresistible taste, creamy texture, and gorgeous golden hue.

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and tender bite make them perfect for layering and baking.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
Onion: Brings sweet, savory notes that balance all the cheesy goodness.
Garlic: The heart of the dish; use plenty for maximum favor!
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
Milk: Part of the creamy base—whole milk gives extra richness, but use what you have.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Dried thyme: Delivers a subtle, fragrant herbal kick.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—don’t skip it.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, sharp deliciousness.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that dreamy cheesy stretch and a mild, melt-in-your-mouth factor.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish and helps develop that signature golden crust.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to set the stage for bubbling perfection. Scrub the Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch thick—for even cooking and luxe layers. Taking a moment for even slices pays off in every bite!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the diced onion and those glorious minced garlic cloves. Stir and let them soften for a few minutes—the aroma is absolutely worth pausing to appreciate!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to make a roux. Now, start adding milk and chicken broth gradually while whisking to avoid lumps. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and salt, then cook until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—it won’t take long!

Step 4: Get Cheesy

Take the sauce off the heat and add in all your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, creamy dream—try not to eat a spoonful right then and there!

Step 5: Build Those Gorgeous Layers

Grease your favorite casserole dish. Layer one-third of the potatoes across the bottom, pour on one-third of that cheese sauce, and repeat two more times. Don’t stress about perfection—rustic layers taste amazing!

Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Glory

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 35 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. The smell at this stage is heavenly!

Step 7: Let It Rest, Then Serve

When your Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes emerge, let them cool for about 10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly—this makes serving as satisfying as eating. Your patience is about to be rewarded!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a little extra fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or chives to add freshness and color. A bit more Parmesan on top never hurts, either—it highlights all that cheesy magic!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes pair well with everything from roasted chicken and glazed ham to grilled vegetables. Their creamy, bold flavor is a welcome complement to any main, and they shine especially bright on holiday tables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party, or cut the potatoes into neat squares for a potluck-friendly finger food. Leftovers also transform into a satisfying brunch alongside fried eggs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Layer leftovers into a freezer-safe container, press out excess air, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a crispier top, remove the cover for the last 10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch—just heat in short bursts so the sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture and rich flavor, russet potatoes also work well and will give you slightly softer, fluffier layers.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and makes for a creamier sauce, but pre-shredded will do in a pinch. Just know the texture may be a bit less velvety due to anti-caking agents in store-bought blends.

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes ahead?

Definitely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Let it come to room temperature before baking for the best, even cooking.

How do I get perfectly crisp edges?

After removing the foil, leave the dish uncovered in the oven for the final baking time. For extra golden edges, broil for a couple of minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so nothing burns!

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’ll have a fabulously hearty, vegetarian-friendly Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a side dish that wows every time, I can’t recommend these Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes enough. They’re simple, soul-soothing, and sure to become a household favorite. Give them a try—your dinner table (and your taste buds) will thank you!