Name: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg potatoes (enough to fill the baking dish); 1 cup shredded or chopped mozzarella; ¾ cup cheddar cheese; 1 cup cream; 1.5 cups milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Parsley or dill for garnish

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There’s something downright magical about layers of tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce, especially when it’s the centerpiece of your holiday dinner. This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes that brings all the cozy vibes to the table and has everyone asking for seconds. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and perfectly indulgent—the kind of comfort food that feels extra special during the festive season.

I first made this recipe on a chilly December afternoon, and let me tell you—it quickly became my go-to side dish for Christmas dinner. If you’re hunting for a classic crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to prep ahead and always gets rave reviews, you’ll love this cheesy scalloped potatoes. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use simple pantry staples and turn them into something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe comes down to choosing the right potatoes and cheeses, plus a creamy sauce that blends everything beautifully. Here’s a little insight on the ingredients that really make it shine.

Potatoes: I recommend using starchy or all-purpose potatoes like russets or Yukon golds—they soften up nicely without falling apart too much.
Mozzarella: Adds wonderful stretchy cheese pull and mild creaminess.
Cheddar: Brings sharp, tangy depth that balances the mozzarella’s mellow flavor.
Cream: Essential for that luscious, velvety sauce—don’t skimp here.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce so it’s not too thick but still rich enough to coat the potatoes.
Melted butter: Works with flour to create a classic roux—that’s the base for your creamy cheese sauce.
Flour: Thickens the sauce and makes it wonderfully smooth.
Onion powder: Gives subtle savory layers without overpowering.
Garlic powder: A hint of warmth and depth that blends perfectly with the cheeses.
Salt: Balances flavors—season carefully.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to keep things lively.
Parsley or dill: Fresh herbs to garnish and brighten the creamy richness on top.

Variations

I love customizing this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Mix it up a bit to suit your family’s taste or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Herb-Infused: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce gives it an earthy, festive aroma—my go-to when I want to impress guests.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy texture.
Dairy-Free Version: You can swap cream and milk for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives—I’ve tried this and it still delivers that comforting feel.
Extra Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a little Parmesan before baking, creating a golden crust that adds a lovely texture contrast.

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Perfectly

Start by peeling your potatoes and slicing them evenly—about 1/8 inch thick. The goal is uniform slices so everything cooks evenly and every bite has the same creamy, tender texture. A mandoline helps if you have one, but a sharp knife works too—just take your time!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste—this step is key for that velvety sauce. Slowly add in cream and milk while whisking constantly, then stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once it thickens, lower the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Grab a baking dish and start layering your scalloped potatoes—dip each potato slice in the cheese sauce or spoon sauce between layers to get good coverage. Don’t overcrowd the dish, but let the layers pile up in about three to four rounds, ending with a generous cheese sauce pour on top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. I usually peek around the 50-minute mark to make sure it’s not browning too fast on top—if it’s looking too dark, just pop the foil back on.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe

The image shows a large white baking dish filled with rows of thinly sliced potatoes arranged vertically in layers. The potato slices have a golden-brown, crispy texture on the edges with a soft, creamy interior. A light sauce or cheese is melted between the potato layers, giving a slightly shiny and rich appearance. The dish is garnished with small, bright green chopped herbs scattered evenly on top. The background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness nicely. Dill is another favorite, especially if you want a more delicate, herby aroma. Sometimes I even toss on a little cracked black pepper for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This cheesy scalloped potato dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham and all those classic Christmas fixings like green beans, cranberry sauce, and glazed carrots. I love having it alongside a crisp salad to balance out the richness, but honestly, it’s such a star on its own that everything else feels like a bonus.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try layering the potatoes in individual ramekins or a pretty ceramic casserole dish. You can also sprinkle different cheeses on top—like adding Gruyère or Parmesan for extra nuttiness. During one Christmas, I even swirled in some caramelized onions between layers for a hint of sweetness that had everyone raving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Absolutely yes! I store any extra scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They tend to firm up a bit, but the flavors deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus. Just be sure to cover well so your fridge doesn’t absorb that cheesy aroma too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results—just cool it completely then freeze it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until hot and bubbly again. Be aware the texture softens a bit after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if you can!

Reheating

To reheat, I find it best to cover the potatoes with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. This method keeps the potatoes from drying out and revives that creamy, cheesy goodness better than a microwave can.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While I recommend russet or Yukon gold for their texture, you can also use red potatoes or fingerlings, though the texture may be a bit waxier and hold their shape more firmly. Just slice them thinly and watch the baking time since thinner or firmer potatoes may cook differently.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just make sure to whisk it in well to avoid any lumps, and you’ll still have a creamy, cheesy scalloped potato dish perfect for Christmas.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a real time-saver. You can assemble everything up to layering, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
What cheese combinations work best?

The classic combo of mozzarella and cheddar is delicious, offering a creamy texture and sharp flavor. But you can experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or even fontina for different flavor profiles. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well for that perfect gooey texture.
How thick should the potato slices be?

A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. This ensures the potatoes cook through evenly without turning to mush or remaining too firm. If the slices are inconsistent, some chunks might undercook or overcook, so taking your time slicing pays off.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen, not just for the holidays but anytime I want to impress with comforting, cheesy goodness. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and perfect for sharing with family around the table. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that turns into a treasured tradition before you know it.