Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky, cheesy potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce, baked until golden and bubbling for the ultimate comfort side dish. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs heavy cream, whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Spread half of the 2 lbs thinly sliced potatoes in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over potatoes, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 2 tbsp parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a sprinkle of 1/4 cup parmesan. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heavy cream from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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