Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce

Introduction

When the holiday season arrives, comfort food takes center stage—and few dishes embody that warm, cozy feeling better than Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with rich cream, butter, garlic, and a generous helping of melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and heartwarming. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a festive centerpiece, making it perfect for Christmas dinner, holiday potlucks, or even a cozy winter night with family.

Scalloped potatoes are classic in many households, but what makes this recipe truly special is the addition of a velvety cream sauce paired with melted cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and comforting—exactly what you want when celebrating the holidays.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate holiday side dish that feels luxurious without being overly complicated. The creamy sauce infused with garlic and butter soaks into every potato layer, while the bubbling cheese on top creates a golden crust that’s irresistible. It pairs beautifully with roasts, hams, or even a simple green salad, making it versatile for any holiday spread.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

• Festive & Comforting – Brings warmth and richness to any Christmas table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Creamy, cheesy, and universally loved by kids and adults alike.
• Elegant Yet Simple – Looks fancy but uses everyday ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: ~360 calories per serving (approximate, varies with cheese used)
• Cuisine: American (with European influence)
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds holiday warmth)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make a creamy garlic butter sauce with milk and cream.
2. Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
3. Pour the cream sauce over the potatoes.
4. Add layers of cheese between potatoes.
5. Bake until golden, bubbly, and tender.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
• Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
• Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Cook until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
• Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
• Sprinkle with half of the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan.
• Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake

• Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 30–35 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a festive touch.

How to Serve

• Serve as a side dish with Christmas ham, roast turkey, or prime rib.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs for presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
• Mix cheese varieties (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella) for deeper flavor.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions between layers for variation.
• For extra crisp topping, broil for the last 2 minutes.

• Loaded Scalloped Potatoes – Add bacon bits, chives, and sour cream.
• Herbed Version – Add rosemary, thyme, or sage for holiday flair.
• Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese.

Variations (Freezing and Storage)

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat covered in the oven until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife (for even potato slices)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk & saucepan (for cream sauce)
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce is a dish that combines the magic of holiday comfort food with the elegance of a celebratory side dish. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden on top, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a Christmas dinner into a feast. Whether you serve it alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib, this dish guarantees smiles and second servings. It’s festive, comforting, and truly unforgettable—a holiday tradition in the making

Print Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 75 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 360 calories

Description

When the holiday season arrives, comfort food takes center stage—and few dishes embody that warm, cozy feeling better than Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 ½ pounds (1.1 kg)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds holiday warmth)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce : In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Layers : Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake : Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 30–35 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a festive touch.

Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Scalloped Potatoes with Cream Sauce