Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes combine layers of tender potatoes soaked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy fried onions that add a delightful crunch and deep flavor. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into a soul-satisfying family favorite. Whether served at holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners, Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes always steal the show with their irresistible combination of textures and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food at its finest: The creamy cheese sauce and crispy fried onions create a nostalgic, heartwarming dish everyone will adore.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The sharpness of cheese blends beautifully with the sweetness of onions and the earthiness of potatoes.
Easy to customize: This recipe adapts well to different cheeses, herbs, or additional ingredients without losing its core appeal.
Great texture contrast: Creamy, tender potatoes meet crunchy fried onions, offering a delightful bite every time.
Ideal for any occasion: From casual dinners to festive gatherings, this dish shines as a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes lies in its simple yet essential ingredients—each plays a key role in delivering the creamy texture, golden color, and that iconic cheesy flavor mixed with the crispy layer of fried onions.

Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets for creamy, soft layers that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses adds richness and depth to every bite.
Fried onions: Crispy onion strings or homemade fried onions give an irresistible crunch and flavor boost.
Butter: Used in the sauce for a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
Milk or cream: Creates the luscious sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder to enhance and balance the flavors.

Variations for Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Feel free to make this recipe uniquely yours! Adjusting the cheese types, adding veggies, or tweaking for dietary needs makes it easy to create variations that suit your taste buds or lifestyle.

Herb infusion: Add chopped thyme, rosemary, or chives for fresh, aromatic notes.
Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to add warmth and complexity.
Vegetable boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cheese and milk substitutes to suit vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
Different cheese blends: Experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.

Why Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes Taste So Good

How to Make Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin, even rounds to ensure uniform cooking and layering. Keep the slices submerged in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent browning.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk or cream while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, then stir in your cheese until melted and silky smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the layers

Grease a baking dish, then layer half of the potatoes evenly. Pour over half of the cheese sauce and sprinkle a generous amount of fried onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and onions to create layered richness and crispy texture.

Step 4: Bake the dish

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes to let the top crisp up beautifully.

Step 5: Let it rest and serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, so the sauce sets and the layers stay intact, enhancing every cheesy, fried onion-packed bite.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Choose the right potatoes: Using starchy potatoes ensures a creamy filling that absorbs the cheesy sauce well.
Slice potatoes uniformly: Thin, even slices help the dish bake evenly and fully cook without mushiness.
Don’t skip the roux: Preparing a proper roux thickens the sauce to perfection, avoiding a watery casserole.
Layer flavors: Alternate cheese sauce and fried onions to get crunchy surprise bites throughout the dish.
Let it rest: Cooling the dish briefly enhances the texture and flavor meld, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

Top your creamy casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy, indulgent texture with freshness and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for elegant plating or create a layered casserole to share family-style; either way, it steals the spotlight every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and flavor are preserved for quick reheat meals.

Freezing

This dish freezes well when tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container—perfect for meal prep or saving for later indulgence.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the potatoes or sauce.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made fried onions for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought fried onions work perfectly and save time while adding that essential crispy texture to the dish.

What is the best type of cheese for scalloped potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but mixing in Gruyère or mozzarella can add delightful creaminess and flavor complexity.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and vegan cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and cheesy without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate; just bake it fresh to get the best crust and melted cheese.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Reduce the cheese quantity slightly, substitute heavy cream with milk, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. Their luscious, creamy layers paired with crispy fried onions deliver an experience you’ll want to share again and again. Don’t wait to try this delicious dish and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!

Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Print Recipe

Cheesy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes feature tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped generously with crispy fried onions for a perfect blend of smooth, cheesy goodness and crunchy texture. Ideal for comforting family meals or festive occasions, this dish brings warmth and indulgence with every bite.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk or cream (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or a blend like cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Fried Onions

1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, chives) – 1-2 tablespoons
Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for spice
1 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers (optional vegetable boost)

Instructions

Prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick for uniform cooking and layering. Keep the sliced potatoes submerged in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent browning.
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly add the milk or cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder to taste.
Assemble the layers: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the fried onions evenly on top. Repeat by layering the remaining potatoes, cheese sauce, and fried onions to build rich layers with crunchy onions throughout.
Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes to allow the top to crisp up beautifully and the cheese to brown slightly.
Let it rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and the layers remain intact, enhancing the texture and flavor of every cheesy, fried onion-packed bite.

Notes

Choose starchy potatoes such as Russets for creamy texture and great sauce absorption.
Slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even baking and avoid mushiness.
Don’t skip making the roux – it’s essential for a thick, creamy cheese sauce without being watery.
Layer cheese sauce and fried onions alternately for delightful flavor and texture contrast throughout the dish.
Let the casserole rest after baking to enhance flavor meld and make serving easier.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze tightly wrapped for longer storage.
Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (165°C) to keep moisture and avoid drying.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, fried onions, comfort food, casserole, holiday side dish