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Home » Snacks Recipes

CHEESY GARLIC SCALLOPED POTATOES

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: May 23, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, these scalloped potatoes make an unforgettable side dish. They’re made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with garlic, butter, and cheese, baked until golden.

scalloped potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Garlic adds depth, and cheese brings that rich, melty texture everyone loves. This is a recipe that will have guests asking for seconds—and the recipe too!

It’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy tools, just a baking dish and a saucepan. The soft potato slices soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Layer the ingredients, pour over the sauce, bake, and enjoy.

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or even a fresh green salad. It’s also great for potlucks and gatherings. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat when needed, which makes it ideal for busy hosts or meal planning.

The ingredients are simple and easy to find—potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, cheese, and seasoning. Each bite is creamy, garlicky, and deliciously cheesy, with a beautiful crust on top and soft layers underneath.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Rich Comfort Food: These cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes deliver deep, satisfying flavours that feel like a warm hug on your plate.

  • Easy to Make: With simple layering and baking, you can whip up this comforting dish without any complicated cooking steps.

  • Perfect for Holidays: It’s a festive, flavourful side that fits perfectly on any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or easter dinner table.

  • Customisable Layers: Easily switch up the cheese, add herbs, or include other vegetables to match your personal taste.

  • Golden and Crispy Top: The baked cheesy topping gets beautifully golden, adding texture and richness to every bite.

  • Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well and tastes just as good—or even better—the next day.

  • Crowd Favourite: Everyone from kids to adults loves this creamy, garlicky potato bake—it disappears quickly at any meal!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

  • Step No.1: Prepare the potatoes
    Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick). Use a mandolin slicer for even slices if you have one.

  • Step No.2: Make the garlic sauce
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.

  • Step No.3: Add milk and cheese
    Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.

  • Step No.4: Assemble the dish
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes, pour half the sauce, then repeat the layers.

  • Step No.5: Bake the potatoes
    Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

  • Step No.6: Garnish and serve
    Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Slice Evenly: Thin, even potato slices ensure even cooking and smooth, layered texture in the final dish.

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a richer, deeper flavour than pre-minced or powdered garlic.

  • Don’t Rush the Sauce: Take time to thicken the sauce properly so it coats the potatoes beautifully without becoming runny.

  • Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for softness and absorbing the creamy cheese sauce.

  • Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving to help the layers settle and flavours deepen.

  • Bake Uncovered for Crust: Removing the foil halfway through baking ensures a golden, bubbly cheese crust on top.

  • Add Herbs If Desired: Try adding thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra depth of flavour.

VARIATIONS

  • Add Bacon Bits: For a smoky twist, sprinkle cooked bacon pieces between the layers or on top before baking.

  • Swap the Cheese: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different melt and flavour profile.

  • Include Veggies: Thinly sliced onions or spinach can be added between potato layers for added texture and nutrition information.

  • Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat with your creamy potatoes.

  • Use Cream Instead of Milk: For an extra rich dish, substitute milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

  • Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour in the sauce.

  • Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the top before baking for an extra crispy texture.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Serve hot with roasted meats or fresh salad for a balanced, satisfying side dish everyone will enjoy at the table.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

FAQ

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day or reheat if fully cooked.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Freezing is not ideal due to texture changes, but it’s possible. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?

This can happen if the sauce wasn’t thickened enough or the potatoes released too much moisture. Letting it rest helps too.

What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are often made with a cream sauce. Au gratin potatoes include more cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs on top.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce without added anti-caking agents.

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly health benefits of garlicky, these scalloped potatoes are a comfort food favourite that works for any occasion.

Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold flavours make them the perfect side for both casual dinners and formal meals.

You’ll love how simple it is to put together with just a handful of ingredients.

Even picky eaters enjoy this dish because the layers of cheese and soft potatoes are so inviting.

Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe will become one of your go-to sides.

CHEESY GARLIC SCALLOPED POTATOES

Sana Umer
These Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish. With layers of tender potatoes, creamy garlic sauce, and melted cheese, they're perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Sauce:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Potatoes:

  • Layer half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat the layers.

Bake:

  • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Cool and Garnish:

  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or swap cheeses for a twist. Gruyère or parmesan adds great depth.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with roasted meats, holiday ham, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Use plant-based milk and cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Keyword , potato casserole, cheesy potatoes, creamy potato bake, easy holiday sides, garlic potatoes, Scalloped potatoes

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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