Oven Baked Scalloped Potatoes

If you are looking for a tasty side dish to serve this week, try these cheesy and delicious Oven Baked Scalloped Potatoes!

Easy Oven Baked Scalloped Potatoes – A Classic Southern Side Dish

When you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish, it’s hard to beat a pan of oven baked scalloped potatoes.

This is the kind of recipe that brings folks back to the table for seconds—maybe even thirds.

Whether you’re cooking up a holiday dinner, Sunday supper, or just a regular weeknight meal, scalloped potatoes made from scratch add that homemade touch that boxed mixes just can’t match.

You may also like:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Potato Sticks
• Mashed Potato Pancakes
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Instant Pot Cheesy Ranch and Bacon Potatoes

What Are Scalloped Potatoes Made Of?

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients—white or yellow potatoes, onions, flour, milk, butter, and cheddar cheese.

No fancy tools are required beyond a sharp knife or mandolin, and the steps are straightforward.

It’s the kind of recipe that shows how basic pantry staples can come together to make something rich, warm, and satisfying.

When to Serve This Southern Baked Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes are versatile enough for both special occasions and casual meals.

They’re perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, but they also work great alongside grilled chicken or pork chops during the week.

This is a make-ahead friendly recipe too—just prep it earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Why This Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Works

People are always searching for an easy scalloped potatoes with cheese and milk recipe—something that doesn’t call for heavy cream or a roux made on the stovetop.

That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. You get that creamy texture and cheesy top layer without having to spend extra time making a separate sauce.

The ingredients cook together in the oven, and the result is a comforting, old-fashioned side dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Where to Serve Scalloped Potatoes – Think Beyond the Dinner Table

This dish isn’t just for holiday dinners. You can bring this to church potlucks, family reunions, or neighborhood cookouts.

Serve it alongside baked ham or fried chicken, or pair it with meatloaf and green beans for a full southern meal. It travels well and reheats even better the next day.

How to Customize This Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

While the base recipe is straightforward, there’s room to make it your own.

Add cooked bacon or diced ham between the layers for a heartier dish. Swap out the cheddar for smoked gouda or gruyere if you’re feeling fancy.

Toss in a few minced garlic cloves with the onions for extra flavor.

Once you’ve made this a time or two, you’ll find ways to tweak it to suit your own taste—or the picky eaters at your table.

Tips for the Best Southern Scalloped Potatoes From Scratch

• Use a mandolin slicer if you have one—it helps the potatoes cook evenly.
• Preheating the milk is key. Warm milk blends better with the layers and speeds up the baking process.
• Don’t skip the rest time after baking. Giving the dish 15 to 20 minutes to sit lets the sauce thicken so it serves up clean slices.

An Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Busy Cooks

This is the kind of side dish that looks like you put in a ton of effort, but really didn’t.

No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just hearty, classic comfort food that works every time.

If you’re searching for a simple oven baked scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese, this one hits the mark.

It’s meals like this that remind us why we love southern cooking—simple ingredients, cooked slow, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this easy scalloped potatoes dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Oven Baked Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. white or yellow potatoes
• 1/2 medium onion
• 4 tbsp. all purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 tbsp. butter, cubed 
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp. chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Wash and peel the potatoes.

Use a mandolin or sharp knife and slice the potatoes to about ¼ inches thick.

Finely chop the onions.

Spray the bottoms and sides of an 8 x 8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Alternate layers of potatoes, onions, flour, salt and pepper, starting with potatoes first and ending with flour mixture on top. You should have 3 layers. *See recipe notes

Top with cubed butter.

Heat the milk until just before boiling. 

Pour the milk over the layers in the baking dish. 

Top with shredded cheese. 

Bake covered until the potatoes are fork tender. (Approx. 50 minutes)

Uncover and bake until the cheese bubbles and browns. (Approx. 15 minutes)

Broil for 2 minutes to get a nice golden brown top.

Remove the dish from the oven.

Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Notes

● A mandolin will help you get even thickness of slices. If you don’t have one, you will need a very sharp knife.

● Put potatoes in a single layer, minimally overlapping but fit larger pieces together with smaller pieces to form a sort of puzzle, to cover as much space as possible. 

 ● Place a cookie sheet or drip pan under the dish while baking to catch anything that bubbles over.

Frequently Asked Questions for Oven Baked Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

What is the best cheese to use in oven baked scalloped potatoes?
For the best flavor and melt, sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice in scalloped potatoes baked in the oven. It melts well, adds a rich taste, and pairs nicely with the creamy sauce and soft potatoes. You can also try smoked gouda or gruyere for a more robust flavor.

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time by layering everything in the baking dish, covering it tightly with foil, and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you need a make ahead scalloped potatoes recipe for a holiday or family gathering.

Why are my scalloped potatoes still hard after baking?
If your scalloped potatoes are not getting tender, it’s likely the slices are too thick or the oven temperature isn’t high enough. For evenly cooked scalloped potatoes with cheddar cheese, slice the potatoes about 1/4 inch thick and bake at 375°F for the full recommended time, covered tightly.

Can I use russet potatoes in scalloped potatoes from scratch?
While white or yellow potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes baked with milk, russet potatoes can be used too. Just keep in mind they’re starchier and may break down a bit more during baking, which can make the dish creamier but less structured.

Do I need to peel the potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
Peeling is recommended when making old fashioned scalloped potatoes with onions and cheese, especially if you’re using russet or thick-skinned varieties. However, if you’re using thin-skinned yellow potatoes, peeling is optional and based on personal preference.

How do I keep scalloped potatoes from curdling?
To prevent curdling in your scalloped potatoes with milk and cheese, make sure to heat the milk before pouring it over the layers. Avoid boiling, but warm it just before the point of boiling to help it blend smoothly into the dish as it bakes.

Can I freeze baked scalloped potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes made with milk and cheese can be frozen after baking, but the texture may change slightly. To freeze, cool the dish completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, covered, in the oven at 350°F.

What meat goes well with homemade scalloped potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile southern side dish that pairs well with baked ham, roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. They also go great with meatloaf or barbecue ribs for a hearty, comforting meal.

Are scalloped potatoes the same as au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes are similar but not exactly the same. Classic scalloped potatoes baked with milk may or may not include cheese, while au gratin potatoes always include cheese and often breadcrumbs. This recipe is more of a cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe without breadcrumbs.

How long should scalloped potatoes sit before serving?
Let your oven baked scalloped potatoes with cheddar rest for 15–20 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and set, making it easier to serve neat, creamy slices.