Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar

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

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich garlic-herb cream sauce with sharp cheddar for a comforting, restaurant-style side dish. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 80 minutes pairs Yukon Gold, thinly sliced potatoes, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 25 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Layer 1/2 of the thinly sliced potatoes (2 lbs) evenly in the dish, pour half the cream sauce over them, then repeat layers.
  6. Step 6: Pour remaining sauce over the top, ensuring potatoes are fully covered.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced and sauce is bubbly around edges.
  8. Step 8: Let rest for 15 minutes before serving, sprinkled with extra chopped thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar?

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 Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar?

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 Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar 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 Creamy Herb Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar?

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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