You know the drill. It’s 5 PM. Everyone’s hungry. You’re staring at a bag of potatoes, willing them to turn into something amazing with zero effort. If you love hearty potato dishes, you might also enjoy this classic Comforting Cottage Pie with Mashed Potatoes.
I’ve been there. Too many times. That’s why I created this recipe for Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes. It’s your weeknight dinner hero. We’re talking insane, smoky, cheesy flavor. With a shockingly simple method.
No fancy techniques. No all-day simmering. Just layers of creamy potato and that incredible smoked cheese. It’s a side dish that steals the show. Let’s make it happen.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ultimate Guide to Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes
This is the only guide you need. Why? Because I built it for us—the busy cooks. We want big results without the big hassle.
Smoked Gouda is the magic here. It gives you a huge flavor boost with one simple ingredient. No need for extra spices or bacon. The cheese does all the heavy lifting.
This recipe is also forgiving. Slice the potatoes a bit thick? It’s fine. Don’t have a mandoline? Use a knife. We’re keeping it real and keeping it easy. Your path to a killer savory bake is right here.
The Simple Ingredients
Check your pantry. You probably have most of this already. The smoked Gouda is the star, so grab a good block from the deli section.
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (trust me!)
- 12 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you cannot fail. I promise.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until soft.
- Add the minced garlic. Cook for just 1 minute, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the flour taste out.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking the whole time. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It will thicken nicely. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in two-thirds of the shredded smoked Gouda (about 2 cups) into the warm sauce. Stir until it’s melted and smooth.
- Add all of your sliced potatoes to the cheesy sauce. Gently fold them in until every slice is coated. This is the key step for maximum flavor.
- Pour the potato and sauce mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set. Garnish with chives if you like. Dig in!
What to Serve With This Dish
These potatoes are the ultimate BBQ side. But they also make a full meal super fast. For another loaded potato idea that’s a complete meal, check out these Crack Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes.
Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Pair them with simple grilled chicken or sausages. Need a veggie? Toss some green beans in the air fryer while the potatoes bake. Done.
For a cozy night, serve them alongside a simple roast chicken or a big green salad. It’s the cheesy potatoes that everyone will remember.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Make this recipe work for you. Got a different cheese? Use it! Here are my favorite easy swaps.
Swap the smoked Gouda for regular Gouda and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. You still get that smoky flavor.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russets. They’re creamier and hold their shape well. A great alternative.
Add a layer of thinly sliced ham between the potatoes for a heartier, main-dish casserole. So good.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
Let the dish cool completely. Cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave. For a larger portion, reheat in a 350°F oven until warm throughout.
The sauce may separate a bit upon reheating. It’s still totally delicious. I won’t judge if you eat it cold from the fridge, either.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
*Nutrition is an estimate only, calculated using an online tool.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish completely. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold.
Do I need a mandoline to slice the potatoes?
No way. A sharp knife and a little patience work perfectly. Just try to get the slices as even as you can so they cook at the same rate.
Why let it rest after baking?
This is crucial. Resting lets the creamy sauce thicken up. If you cut in right away, it will be very runny. Ten minutes makes all the difference.
See? I told you it was simple. You just made a restaurant-worthy cheesy potato bake on a random Tuesday. That’s a win. For another simple, all-in-one dinner that’s packed with flavor, try this easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes.
This dish is all about working smarter, not harder. That smoky Gouda flavor does all the talking. You just get to take the credit.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
