This dish takes the traditional scalloped potatoes up a notch with the sweet, savory depth of caramelized onions and a creamy cheese sauce that melts into every layer. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. Each bite is rich, cheesy, and perfectly tender—just the kind of comfort food that everyone will crave.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yukon gold or russet potatoes
Yellow onions
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Heavy cream or whole milk
Cheddar cheese
Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Thinly slice the onions and cook them in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
While the onions cook, peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in cream or milk, cooking until thickened.
Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the caramelized onions and half the cheese sauce.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a total baking time of about 60-65 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for resting before serving, bringing the total time to about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Variations
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Use different cheeses: Try smoked gouda, mozzarella, or a blend for unique flavors.
Herb it up: Mix fresh chives, parsley, or sage into the cheese sauce.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven helps restore the crisp top.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon golds and russets are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy.
Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
It’s best not to freeze due to the cream and cheese, which can separate, but it can be done. Cool completely, wrap well, and thaw before reheating.
How do I get even slices of potatoes?
Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness, which helps the potatoes cook evenly.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, whole milk works well. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
How long do the onions take to caramelize?
Caramelizing onions takes 25-30 minutes over low to medium heat. Patience is key for the best flavor.
What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce, while au gratin typically includes cheese and a breadcrumb topping. This recipe is a hybrid of both.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced mushrooms, spinach, or leeks can be layered in for extra flavor and texture.
Why is my sauce curdled or grainy?
This can happen if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Lower the heat and stir constantly when making the sauce.
How do I keep the top from burning?
Cover with foil during the first half of baking and only remove it at the end to brown the top.
Conclusion
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions is a delicious, indulgent side dish that adds a gourmet touch to any meal. The sweet, slow-cooked onions and creamy, cheesy layers make it a standout favorite for family dinners, holiday tables, or potlucks. With a little prep and a lot of flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort classic.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and a velvety cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect indulgent addition to any holiday or cozy family meal.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:65 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 40 minutes
Yield:6 to 8 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter (for onions)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter (for sauce)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
2 1/2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in cream or milk and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary if using.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the caramelized onions and half of the cheese sauce.
Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes.Whole milk can be used instead of cream for a lighter version.Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a spicy twist.Try smoked gouda, mozzarella, or other cheeses for variation.Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it gluten-free.
