Classic Creamy Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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