Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, these Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Tucked between layers of tender potatoes is a decadent blend of melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and velvety cream sauce, creating a dish that’s rich enough to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is your ticket to cheesy, golden-baked perfection. It’s simple to assemble but impressive in flavor—every bite feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Packed with indulgent layers of cheesy goodness.
Features crispy bacon bits for savory crunch.
Easy to prep ahead for holidays or gatherings.
A crowd-pleaser that pairs with nearly any main course.
Comfort food made with familiar ingredients you likely already have.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Russet potatoes are a top pick for scalloped dishes because their high starch content helps thicken the creamy sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes also work beautifully if you want a slightly buttery texture. Always slice them evenly for uniform cooking, ideally using a mandoline slicer.

Ingredients for the Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Each ingredient in this dish adds richness, texture, or savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need:

Potatoes: Thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their structure and creaminess.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and adds bold flavor throughout the layers.

Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious sauce that coats the potatoes.

Butter: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the base.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.

Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a crispy, smoky punch in every bite.

Chives: Fresh and finely chopped to garnish for a pop of color and mild onion taste.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and sauce.

How To Make the Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and thinly slice your potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick). Cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble. Mince garlic and shred the cheddar.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

In a greased baking dish, layer a third of the sliced potatoes. Pour over a portion of the cream sauce, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bacon. Repeat for two more layers.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh finish.

How to Serve and Store Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe makes enough to feed about 6 to 8 people as a hearty side. Serve it hot, right out of the oven, with your favorite main dish.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in portions. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Loaded Scalloped Potatoes?

Grilled Steak

The creamy richness of the potatoes perfectly complements a juicy, charred steak.

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Pairs well with the savory and slightly crispy skin of a roasted bird.

Glazed Ham

A holiday classic combo—salty ham with cheesy potatoes is always a hit.

Garlic Green Beans

Add something green and crunchy to balance the heaviness.

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh, tangy salad cuts through the richness beautifully.

BBQ Pulled Pork

The smokiness and sweet BBQ sauce meld deliciously with the creamy layers.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slight bitterness works wonderfully alongside cheesy, savory bites.

Meatloaf

An old-school favorite—comfort food squared.

Want More Comfort Food Casserole Ideas?

If you’re all about those cozy baked layers, you’ll definitely enjoy these delicious recipes:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s just a click away when that craving hits.

Tried this dish? I’d love to hear your twist on it! Did you sneak in some caramelized onions? Add a layer of pepper jack for extra heat?

Ask questions or share your version in the comments below—we’re all about building flavor together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food dishes and more on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest to spice up your meal planning routine!

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish? These Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are everything you want—ultra-creamy, cheesy, and layered with crispy bacon and savory garlic cream sauce. Perfect for holiday dinners, cozy weekends, or indulgent weeknight meals, this easy recipe transforms humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, or a new easy recipe to add to your rotation, these scalloped potatoes check all the boxes. Ideal for family-style dining or potluck favorites, it’s one of those irresistible dinner ideas that’s both simple and spectacular.

Ingredients

3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups heavy cream

4 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble. Mince garlic and shred cheese.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Add salt and pepper.

3. In a greased baking dish, layer a third of the sliced potatoes. Pour some of the cream sauce over, then top with shredded cheese and bacon. Repeat this layering two more times.

4. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.