Why You’ll Love These Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food that never disappoints, these Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes stand in a league of their own.
I’m absolutely smitten with the creamy blend of heavy cream and smooth goat cheese that transforms ordinary potatoes into something truly extraordinary.
The layers of thinly sliced Yukon golds—perfectly mandolined for uniform cooking—meld with caramelized onions and garlic in every bite.
Can you imagine anything more satisfying? Trust me, these aren’t your average potatoes.
The fresh chives add that pop of color and flavor that elevates this dish from simple side to showstopper.
What Ingredients are in Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that requires just a handful of quality ingredients to create something truly spectacular. The magic happens when the creamy goat cheese mixture seeps between those thin potato slices, creating pockets of rich, tangy goodness that complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
What makes this dish special is how these simple ingredients transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts during the baking process.
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups smooth goat cheese
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Look for firm Yukon gold potatoes with smooth skin—they have the perfect starch content for this dish and maintain their shape while becoming wonderfully tender.
The goat cheese provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the cream, but if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you could substitute with Gruyère or a mild white cheddar.
And don’t skip those chives, they’re not just a garnish! They add a fresh, oniony brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each bite perfectly balanced.
Season generously throughout the layering process—potatoes need more salt than you might think.
How to Make These Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your ingredients. The foundation of this dish begins with the creamy mixture—combine 4 cups of heavy cream with 2 cups of smooth goat cheese in a large bowl, whisking until relatively smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper (remember, potatoes drink up salt like nobody’s business), then fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped chives. This mixture will become the luxurious sauce that transforms ordinary potatoes into something magical.
Next comes the prep work that makes all the difference. Slice 2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes into whisper-thin 1/8-inch slices using a mandoline (or a very sharp knife and steady hand if you’re feeling brave). Rinse the sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry—wet potatoes won’t absorb all that creamy goodness properly.
While you’re slicing, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add your 2 thinly sliced large onions with 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook them slowly for about 10 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized and sweet, seasoning with salt and pepper as they cook.
Now for the assembly, which is like building delicious edible architecture. In a buttered ovenproof dish, create your first layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them like fallen dominoes. Sprinkle some of those gorgeous caramelized onions over the potatoes, then pour about a quarter of your goat cheese mixture on top.
Continue building these layers, seasoning each one, until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with the remaining cream mixture. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons of cubed butter, which will create that irresistible golden crust as it bakes.
The dish needs about an hour in the oven—you’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbling and bronzed, and a knife slides easily through the tender potato layers. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which might be the hardest part of the entire recipe.
Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
While mastering the classic recipe is wonderful, the true joy of these scalloped potatoes lies in their flexibility.
I’ve swapped heavy cream for half-and-half when my arteries needed a break, and honestly, still delicious. Not a fan of goat cheese? Try Gruyère or sharp cheddar instead.
Sometimes I toss in herbs like thyme or rosemary rather than chives, creating a completely different flavor profile.
Want heartier potatoes? Add crispy bacon bits between layers.
Vegetarians might appreciate thinly sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onions.
And russet potatoes work perfectly if you can’t find Yukon golds, just expect a slightly different texture.
What to Serve with Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Wondering what pairs perfectly with creamy, decadent scalloped potatoes? I love serving these golden beauties with a simple protein like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham.
The rich, cheesy goodness complements meat without competing for attention.
For a complete meal, add a bright, acidic side—think arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. The tangy elements cut through the potatoes’ richness, creating perfect balance on your plate.
During holiday gatherings, I position my scalloped potatoes right next to the turkey or prime rib. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
Final Thoughts
These cheesy scalloped potatoes have become my family’s most requested side dish for good reason. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and thinly sliced Yukon golds creates pure comfort on a plate.
I’ve learned that taking time with the mandoline for super-thin, uniform slices makes all the difference in texture.
When I bring this dish to the table, everyone suddenly finds their appetite, even after claiming they’re “too full” moments before.
It’s my go-to when I need something universally beloved, reliable, and impressive without being fussy. Worth every calorie, trust me.
Golden Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine heavy cream and goat cheese, whisking until relatively smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in chopped chives.
- Slice potatoes into 1/8-inch slices using a mandoline. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook slowly for about 10 minutes until caramelized, seasoning with salt and pepper as they cook.
- Butter an ovenproof dish. Create the first layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle some caramelized onions over the potatoes, then pour about a quarter of the goat cheese mixture on top.
- Continue layering potatoes, onions, and cream mixture, seasoning each layer, until all ingredients are used. Finish with the remaining cream mixture.
- Dot the top with cubed butter.
- Bake for about 1 hour, until top is bubbling and bronzed, and a knife slides easily through the potato layers.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
