Name: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 4 russet potatoes (peeled & sliced (¼-inch thick)); 1 large yellow onion (sliced into rings); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (halal dairy); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (room temperature); 1½ cups mild cheddar cheese (shredded (halal)); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper (to taste); ½ cup mozzarella cheese (extra melt); 2 cloves garlic (minced or ¼ tsp garlic powder); ¼ tsp paprika or dried thyme; ½ cup heavy cream (replace ½ cup milk for richer sauce)

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When it comes to comfort food, few things are as satisfying as a warm dish of cheesy scalloped potatoes. This classic side dish is a favorite at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potlucks because it combines the simple goodness of potatoes with a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It is the kind of dish that makes everyone reach for a second helping.

In this guide, we will show you how to master an easy and 100% halal cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe. Whether you are serving it alongside grilled chicken, a holiday roast, or even as a main meal for a quiet evening, this recipe guarantees a perfect result. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients—just some good potatoes, a bit of cheese, and about an hour of your time. Let’s learn how to make this cheesy masterpiece!

What Is Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

In simple English, scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that are baked in a creamy sauce, usually flavored with onions and herbs. The term “scalloped” refers to the way the potatoes are sliced and layered.

Many people confuse scalloped potatoes with “Potatoes Au Gratin.” Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are cooked in a simple cream or milk sauce, while Au Gratin features a lot of cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. However, our cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe brings the best of both worlds together. We add a generous amount of mild cheddar cheese into the sauce to make it extra comforting and rich. This dish has a long history in European and American home cooking as a reliable, filling way to feed a large family using affordable ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

There are so many reasons why this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe will become a staple in your home:

Basic Ingredients: Everything you need—potatoes, milk, flour, and butter—is likely already in your pantry.
Budget-Friendly and Filling: Potatoes are one of the most inexpensive ways to create a hearty meal that satisfies everyone.
Versatile: It works perfectly as a side dish for meat but is heavy enough to be served as a vegetarian main course.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the mild, cheesy flavor and the soft, tender texture of the potatoes.
Easy to Customize: You can add herbs, different cheeses, or even halal beef bacon bits to change the flavor profile.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

To get the best results, use fresh ingredients. All items listed here are 100% halal and safe for consumption.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Russet Potatoes	4 medium (approx. 2 lbs)	Best for soaking up the sauce while staying soft.
Yellow Onion	1 large	Sliced into rings for sweetness and aroma.
Unsalted Butter	3 tablespoons	The base for the creamy roux (ensure halal dairy).
All-Purpose Flour	3 tablespoons	Thickens the milk into a rich sauce.
Whole Milk	2 cups	Use room-temperature milk for a smoother sauce.
Mild Cheddar Cheese	1-1/2 cups	Shredded; provides the classic cheesy flavor.
Kosher Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Essential for seasoning the potatoes.
Black Pepper	To taste	Adds a mild heat.

Optional (Halal-Safe) Ingredients

Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup (for extra “cheese pull” and meltiness).
Garlic: 2 cloves (minced) or 1/4 tsp garlic powder for a savory boost.
Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (adds a lovely color and mild warmth).
Dried Thyme or Parsley: 1/4 teaspoon (for a fresh, herbal aroma).
Heavy Cream:1/2 cup (replace 1/2 cup of milk for a much richer, “gourmet” sauce).

Note: Always ensure your cheese and butter are sourced from halal-certified dairy to ensure no non-permissible animal rennet or additives are used.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before starting your cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe, gather these simple tools:

Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer: For getting those perfectly even, thin potato slices.
Medium Saucepan: To cook the cheese sauce.
Whisk: Essential for making a smooth sauce without lumps.
9×13 Baking Dish: The standard size for this recipe.
Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Follow these clear, beginner-friendly steps for the perfect bake.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes & Onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F(175 °C). Peel the 4 russet potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Slicing them evenly ensures they all cook at the same time. Slice the yellow onion into thin rings. Grease your baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly—this is called a “roux.” Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk while whisking vigorously. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 3: Add Cheese to the Sauce

Turn the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for the top). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

Place half of the sliced potatoes and half of the onion rings into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layer. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and onions, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Use a spoon to make sure the sauce gets between the slices.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese (and optional mozzarella) over the top. Bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This “resting” time is crucial because it allows the sauce to thicken up, making it much easier to scoop out neat portions.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Slice Evenly: If some slices are thick and others are thin, the thick ones will stay hard while the thin ones turn to mush. A mandoline is the best tool for this!
Room Temperature Milk: Using cold milk can sometimes cause the sauce to clump or the butter to seize. Letting the milk sit out for 20 minutes makes for a much silkier sauce.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the dish covered for the first half of baking steams the potatoes, ensuring they get soft without burning the cheese on top.
Check for Doneness: Use a knife to poke a potato in the center of the dish. If it goes in like butter, it’s ready!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Roux: If you just pour milk over potatoes, the sauce will be thin and watery. You must cook the flour and butter first to create a thick, stable sauce.
Using Waxy Potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold potatoes are great, but for the most classic, fluffy cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe, Russets are best because their starch helps thicken the sauce.
Not Seasoning Layers: Potatoes need salt! Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, or the dish will taste bland.
Cutting Too Early: If you serve the dish the second it comes out of the oven, the sauce will be runny. Be patient and wait 10 minutes!

Health & Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a powerhouse of energy and essential minerals:

Energy Source: Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing steady energy.
Calcium and Protein: The milk and cheese provide calcium for bone health and protein for muscle support.
Fiber: Keeping a little bit of the potato skin on (optional) can increase the fiber content, which is good for digestion.
Control: By making it at home, you can use low-sodium salt or low-fat milk to better match your dietary needs compared to processed, store-bought versions.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the butter before adding the flour in Step 2.
Herb-Flavored: Mix fresh chives or dried rosemary into the sauce for a more sophisticated taste.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños between the layers.
What to Serve With: This pairs beautifully with Grilled Halal Chicken, a fresh garden salad, or a side of steamed green beans.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Freezing: While you can freeze scalloped potatoes, the texture of the sauce can sometimes become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so after baking and consume within 1 month.

FAQs – Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Q1: Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance (through Step 4), cover it, and keep it in the fridge. When ready, just bake it as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Absolutely. While cheddar is classic, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of Parmesan (halal) work wonderfully.

Q3: Is the cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe halal?

A: Yes, our recipe uses only halal dairy, flour, and vegetables. Always check that your cheese does not contain animal-based rennet from non-halal sources.

Q4: My sauce is too thin, what happened?

A: This usually happens if the potatoes weren’t cooked long enough or if the roux wasn’t thick enough. Let the dish rest for 15 minutes after baking; it usually thickens as it cools.

Q5: Can I make this without an oven?

A: It is difficult to get the same “baked” texture, but you can cook the sliced potatoes in a large covered skillet with the sauce over low heat for about 25–30 minutes until tender.

Final Thoughts

The cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a timeless classic for a reason—it’s delicious, comforting, and brings a smile to everyone’s face. By following these easy halal instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality side dish that is safe and healthy for your family. Try making a batch for your next Sunday dinner or holiday meal, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!