When you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, easy scalloped potatoes with Gruyere cheese is the perfect solution. This dish combines thinly sliced potatoes layered with a silky, cheesy sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but elegant enough to serve at holiday gatherings. The key ingredient that takes this classic to the next level is Gruyere cheese, which adds a slightly nutty, sophisticated taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the potatoes.
What Makes Gruyere Cheese Ideal for Scalloped Potatoes
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese known for its smooth melting quality and distinct flavor. It melts beautifully without becoming oily, making it ideal for dishes like scalloped potatoes. While traditional recipes may use cheddar, Gruyere gives the dish a gourmet edge without overpowering the simple ingredients. Its nutty, savory taste enhances the cream sauce and pairs wonderfully with the earthiness of the potatoes.
Flavor Depth and Creaminess
Using Gruyere cheese adds more complexity than standard yellow cheeses. It offers a balanced flavor strong enough to be noticed, yet mild enough to complement rather than dominate. In this easy scalloped potato recipe, the Gruyere melts into the cream sauce, creating a luscious consistency that coats every potato slice with flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this dish. Most items are pantry staples or readily available at any grocery store.
Basic Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese
These scalloped potatoes are prepared in layers, with a creamy cheese sauce poured over each layer and baked until golden. The process is simple and requires only a few steps, but the result is deeply satisfying.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the potatoes thinly about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking. Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 23 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens slightly this usually takes 35 minutes. Once thickened, stir in 1 cup of the grated Gruyere cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inch works well) with butter or cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the layer, spreading it evenly. Continue layering potatoes and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of sauce on top.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyere cheese over the top layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 2025 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once baked, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes the dish easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped potatoes with Gruyere cheese make a versatile side dish that complements many main courses. Here are a few delicious pairing ideas:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Beef tenderloin or steak
- Baked ham or pork chops
- Grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option
You can also serve this as a hearty vegetarian main by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers.
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes
- Use starchy potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russets work best because they soften beautifully and absorb the sauce well.
- Slice potatoes thinly and evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate and absorb the creamy sauce thoroughly.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the dish cool slightly after baking helps it set and enhances the texture.
- Add a breadcrumb topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter and herbs on top before baking uncovered.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy nights. Here’s how to store and reheat scalloped potatoes with Gruyere:
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 1015 minutes to the covered baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Variations to Explore
Once you’ve mastered the basic easy scalloped potatoes with Gruyere, try adding your own twist to the recipe with these tasty variations:
- Herbed Scalloped Potatoes: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the sauce for an herbal lift.
- Bacon or Pancetta: Stir in crispy cooked bacon for added texture and a smoky note.
- Garlic-Lovers Version: Double the garlic in the sauce for a stronger, savory flavor.
- Gruyere and Parmesan Blend: Combine Gruyere with a bit of Parmesan for even more depth.
Why This Recipe Works
This easy scalloped potatoes with Gruyere cheese recipe works because it combines simple ingredients with time-tested techniques. The creamy cheese sauce infuses the potatoes with flavor, while the baking process creates a perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture under a golden, cheesy crust. It’s reliable, satisfying, and highly adaptable to your preferences.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or looking for a comforting side to enjoy with dinner, this recipe offers something special. It’s easy to follow, doesn’t require any exotic ingredients, and produces rich, flavorful results that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Make it once, and you’ll understand why scalloped potatoes with Gruyere cheese have become a modern comfort food classic.