Cheesy Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes (Christmas Table)

Few holiday dishes feel as luxurious and memorable as a bubbling, golden tray of cheesy Gruyere scalloped potatoes. Creamy, rich, elegant, and irresistibly melty, these scalloped potatoes bring restaurant-level indulgence straight to the Christmas table. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, velvety cream sauce, butter, Gruyere cheese, and a touch of seasoning creates a side dish that feels both timeless and festive.

This dish is perfect for Christmas dinner, potluck gatherings, Christmas Eve celebrations, and winter family meals where comfort food takes center stage. Gruyere scalloped potatoes are hearty but refined; they strike a beautiful balance between rich holiday decadence and smooth, delicate flavors. The golden, crispy top layer gives way to tender potato layers infused with cream and cheese — a true holiday showstopper.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or preparing Christmas dinner for the first time, this recipe delivers flawless results without stress. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a slow bake in the oven, you’ll have a side that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and pairs with almost any holiday main dish.

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What Makes Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes Perfect for Christmas

Elegant Flavor Without Complication

Gruyere cheese has a smooth, nutty flavor that melts beautifully, making the potatoes luxuriously creamy without needing complex ingredients.

A Classic Christmas Comfort Food

Potato dishes are a staple of winter comfort, and scalloped potatoes elevate that tradition to holiday perfection.

Pairs With Every Christmas Main

Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, holiday beef, seafood, or vegetarian mains, this side dish complements everything.

Crowd-Pleasing and Rich

The creamy layers, melted cheese, and crispy edges satisfy everyone — even picky eaters.

Presentation Worthy of a Celebration

Once baked, the top becomes beautifully browned and bubbly, making it a stunning centerpiece for the holiday table.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Seasonings

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (adds holiday warmth)

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped

• ½ cup Parmesan for extra golden crust

• Chives for garnish

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The Best Potatoes to Use

Yukon Gold

Creamy, tender, and hold shape well — perfect for soft, melt-in-your-mouth layers.

Russet Potatoes

Starchier and create a fluffier, more absorbent scalloped potato texture.

Either one works beautifully, but Yukon Gold usually creates a smoother, more luxurious bite.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel potatoes and slice them thinly (⅛-inch slices).

2. Use a mandoline for consistent thickness if available.

3. Keep sliced potatoes in cold water while prepping the sauce to prevent browning.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Pour in cream and milk, whisking gently.

4. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional).

5. Heat until warm but not boiling.

6. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Gruyere until melted and smooth.

Assemble the Dish

1. Butter a baking dish (9×13 works best).

2. Layer potatoes evenly across the bottom.

3. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the layer.

4. Sprinkle a handful of the remaining Gruyere cheese.

5. Repeat with layers until all potatoes and sauce are used.

6. Finish with a generous cheese topping.

Bake to Golden Holiday Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cover baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 25–35 more minutes.

4. Bake until potatoes are tender, edges are bubbling, and the top is deep golden brown.

Add Final Touches

Let the dish rest 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Top with herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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Tips for the Best Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

Use High-Quality Gruyere

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a velvet-like sauce.

Slice Potatoes Thinly and Evenly

This ensures even cooking and prevents some layers from staying firm.

Don’t Let the Sauce Boil

Gentle heat keeps the sauce silky and prevents separating.

Layer Generously

Every layer should have potatoes, sauce, and cheese for maximum flavor.

Let It Rest

Resting helps the scalloped potatoes hold their shape when sliced.

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Flavor Variations for Holiday Customization

Gruyere and Parmesan Blend

Add Parmesan to the top layer for extra crispiness and a salty finish.

Garlic Herb Gruyere Potatoes

Blend fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary into the cream sauce for a fragrant holiday version.

Creamy Three-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

Add mozzarella and a small amount of cheddar for added richness.

Onion-Layered Scalloped Potatoes

Insert thin layers of caramelized or sautéed onions for a deeper savory flavor.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more milk.

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What to Serve with Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas

This dish is shockingly versatile. Serve it alongside:

Chicken Christmas Mains

• Herb-roasted chicken

• Lemon garlic roast chicken breast

• Crispy rosemary chicken thighs

Christmas Beef Entrées

• Beef roast

• Holiday tenderloin

• Skillet garlic steak bites

Seafood Holiday Favorites

• Baked salmon

• Lemon butter cod

• Garlic shrimp

Festive Vegetarian Pairings

• Lentil loaf

• Stuffed portobello mushrooms

• Creamy holiday vegetable bake

Christmas Side Dishes That Pair Beautifully

• Green beans with garlic

• Maple roasted carrots

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Winter salads

Gruyere scalloped potatoes enhance every flavor on the plate due to their creamy, balanced richness.

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Make-Ahead Instructions for Stress-Free Christmas Cooking

Preparing Ahead

Scalloped potatoes are excellent for make-ahead holiday meals.

• Prepare the entire dish but do not bake.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

• When ready to bake, allow dish to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

• Bake as directed.

Make-Ahead and Bake

Alternatively:

• Fully bake the dish.

• Let cool completely.

• Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing

Refrigerate leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheating

• Reheat in the oven at 325°F for best texture.

• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture.

• Microwave in short intervals for fast reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze scalloped potatoes, but the texture may become softer.
Still great for casseroles, breakfast skillets, or reheated side dishes.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

My scalloped potatoes are watery

This can happen if:

• Potatoes were soaked too long

• The sauce didn’t heat enough to thicken

• Too much milk was used

The potatoes won’t soften

They may have sliced too thick. Always aim for very thin slices.

The top browned too quickly

Cover with foil halfway through baking.

The sauce curdled

The sauce boiled instead of gently heating — always keep the heat moderate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese besides Gruyere?

Yes! Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar can be substituted or used in combination.

Can I use plant-based milk?

You can use plant-based cream for dairy-free options, but the texture will be slightly different.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?

No — thin slices cook fully in the oven.

How do I slice the potatoes evenly?

A mandoline tool helps create perfect uniform slices.

Can I make this for a potluck?

Absolutely — it reheats well and stays creamy even after transport.

Is Gruyere strong?

No. Gruyere has a mild, nutty flavor that complements potatoes beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Yes, for a smoother texture, though you may leave skins for a rustic look.

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Why This Dish Belongs on Your Christmas Table

Gruyere scalloped potatoes deliver classic holiday comfort with modern elegance. The creamy layers, melted cheese, and golden-brown crust make this dish a standout on any Christmas table. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent without relying on heavy holiday meats or complicated ingredients. It’s simple, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying — everything a Christmas side dish should be.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas Eve dinner, attending a potluck, or preparing a full holiday feast, this scalloped potato recipe elevates the meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

With its smooth texture, beautiful presentation, and timeless flavor, this dish is destined to become a yearly family tradition.