There is something irresistibly comforting about a dish that brings together tender slices of Yukon Gold potatoes with rich, gooey cheese and a velvety cream sauce. This Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe perfectly balances the earthiness of potatoes and the sharp, melty goodness of cheddar, creating a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms any meal into a celebratory occasion and makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness as it bakes away.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own layer of flavor, texture, and color that builds the perfect comfort dish. Here’s what you need to grab before you dive into this cheesy dream.
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for tender scalloped layers.
- 1/2 yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and an aromatic base for the cream sauce.
- 4-6 garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with warm, savory depth.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the creaminess.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese: Combines sharpness and creaminess, melting beautifully for that irresistible gooey top.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Provides richness, creating a luscious sauce that envelops each potato slice.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough while maintaining a silky texture.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds depth and a smooth finish to the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes and slicing them thinly—aim for around 1/8-inch thickness so they cook evenly and layer nicely. Dice the half yellow onion finely, and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped before you begin assembling this Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and soft but not browned, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whole milk, whisking gently as it warms. Stir in the salt and black pepper to build the base flavor. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together into a silky, rich sauce.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering by placing a third of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar jack cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous cheese topping. Each layer creates a beautiful harmony of tender potatoes coated in luscious sauce and sharp, melty cheddar.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 75 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The potatoes should be tender when poked with a fork, and the cheese on top will be irresistibly golden and crispy along the edges—a clear sign your Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is ready to bring joy to the table.
How to Serve Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a touch of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the scalloped potatoes. A light sprinkle just before serving makes this dish look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, as well as with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. Top with extra cheese or even a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. You can even add crispy bacon bits to the top before baking for another layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days and remain moist and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, bake the scalloped potatoes as usual, let cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen scalloped potatoes will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions but watch closely to prevent overcooking or drying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe because of their creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes; however, they may be a bit starchier and less creamy in texture.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes yields the smoothest texture in scalloped potatoes, but if you prefer a rustic feel and added fiber, you can leave the skins on, just make sure to wash and scrub them well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or use substitutions?
For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and dairy-free cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe as written is naturally gluten-free since it does not include flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to double-check your cheese and dairy for any additives if you have strict gluten sensitivity.
What’s the best way to get the top nice and crispy?
Uncovering the dish during the last 30 minutes of baking lets the cheese brown beautifully. If you want it extra crunchy, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe truly stands out as a crowd-pleaser, delivering comforting warmth and cheesy indulgence with every forkful. It’s a dish that feels both special and homey, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the simple joy it brings to your table.
Print
Creamy Cheddar Yukon Gold Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 side dish servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich and creamy mixture of heavy cream, whole milk, and cheddar jack cheese, along with aromatic garlic and onions. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these scalloped potatoes are tender, cheesy, and full of savory flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled)
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Dairy
- 3 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, to allow even cooking and cream absorption.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a medium pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base of the dish.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
- Layer Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes spreading evenly. Sprinkle a portion of the sautéed onions and garlic over the potatoes, then sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese. Repeat layering the potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Pour Cream Mixture: Carefully pour the combined cream and milk mixture over the layered potatoes, allowing it to seep through the layers to create a rich sauce.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Thin slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a buttery flavor and holds shape well during baking.
- Sautéing onions and garlic beforehand enhances the flavor complexity.
- Covering the dish initially prevents the top from browning too quickly, allowing the potatoes to cook through evenly.
- Let the dish rest after baking for better slicing and serving consistency.
