Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (No Flour Version)

Few dishes embody holiday comfort quite like a bubbling, golden dish of cheesy scalloped potatoes. Tender slices of potatoes layered with cream, butter, garlic, and melted cheese come together to create a universally loved side dish worthy of any Christmas celebration. But unlike many traditional scalloped potato recipes, this version is completely flour-free, making it naturally gluten-free without sacrificing any richness, creaminess, or holiday indulgence.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (No Flour Version) is perfect for Christmas dinner, winter gatherings, potluck parties, and cozy holiday meals at home. With layers of tender potatoes infused with melted cheese and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Best of all, it’s made without pork, bacon, wine, beer, or alcohol of any kind—making it an inclusive option suitable for all guests.

Whether you’re preparing a feast for Christmas Eve or enjoying a casual winter supper, these scalloped potatoes deliver comfort, elegance, and heartwarming flavor in every bite.

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Why This No-Flour Scalloped Potato Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays

Holiday meals are a time for celebratory dishes that feel special yet familiar. This scalloped potato recipe offers all the creamy, cheesy comfort of the classic version without using any flour or thickening agents. Instead, it relies on the natural starch of potatoes, high-quality cheese, and slow oven baking to produce a thick, rich sauce.

Here’s why this recipe shines on the Christmas table:

• Naturally gluten-free without substitutes

• Extra creamy thanks to heavy cream and cheese

• No complicated roux or thickening steps

• Simple ingredients most kitchens already have

• A classic holiday flavor everyone recognizes

• Perfect pairing for Christmas proteins and vegetables

• Easy to assemble ahead of time

• Impressive presentation in a bubbling casserole dish

• Zero alcohol, pork, or bacon

It’s a true comfort food dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any winter meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the highlights of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a luxurious side dish with restaurant-quality flavor.

• 3 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)

• 2 ½ cups heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss (optional but recommended)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Feel free to mix and match cheeses depending on what you have—this recipe is extremely adaptable.

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Choosing the Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes

Not all potatoes behave the same way when baked with cream. Choosing the right variety ensures the sauce thickens naturally while keeping the slices tender.

Best Potato Options

Yukon Gold:

• Naturally creamy

• Holds shape well

• Ideal for smooth, cohesive layers

Russet:

• High starch content

• Thickens sauce naturally

• Softer texture, classic scalloped feel

For the best results, use a blend of Yukon Gold and Russet. Yukons provide structure; russets give the sauce body.

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Prepping the Potatoes

Correctly preparing the potatoes is essential for even cooking and perfect layered texture.

Washing

Rinse potatoes under cold water to remove excess dirt. Since they’ll be peeled, scrubbing is optional.

Peeling

Use a vegetable peeler for thin, even peels. You may leave skins on if you prefer a rustic version, but the classic holiday look is peeled.

Slicing

This is the most important step.

Slice potatoes into ⅛-inch rounds using:

• A mandoline (best for consistent thickness)

• A sharp chef’s knife (works if slices stay even)

Uniform slices ensure:

• Even baking

• Smooth, cohesive layers

• Consistent tenderness

Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water until ready to assemble to prevent browning.

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How to Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce (Without Flour)

Traditional scalloped potatoes use a flour-based roux. This gluten-free version relies solely on heavy cream, butter, and cheese.

Steps:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream.

4. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

5. Heat gently—do NOT boil.

6. Stir until the mixture is warmed and aromatic.

This sauce will thicken naturally during baking as the potatoes release starch and the cheese melts.

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Layering the Scalloped Potatoes

Building the layers correctly is what gives scalloped potatoes their signature look.

1. Grease a casserole dish with butter.

2. Add a single, overlapping layer of potato slices.

3. Sprinkle a mix of cheeses over the potatoes.

4. Pour a small amount of the cream mixture on top.

5. Repeat, building 3–4 layers.

Finish with a generous amount of cheese on top for that irresistible bubbly golden crust.

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Baking the Scalloped Potatoes

Baking is where the transformation happens.

Baking Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cover the casserole dish with foil.

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

• Remove foil.

• Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

• Bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken properly.

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What Makes This No-Flour Version Special?

Most scalloped potato recipes rely on flour to thicken the sauce. This version skips it entirely—resulting in:

• A naturally creamy sauce

• A silkier texture

• More pronounced cheese flavor

• Simpler preparation

• Gluten-free dish without substitutions

The potatoes themselves release starch, giving the sauce a luxurious consistency without any artificial thickening.

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Flavor Variations for Every Occasion

This recipe is delicious as written, but can easily be customized to match your holiday menu.

Three-Cheese Holiday Blend

Use a combination of mozzarella, Gruyère, and cheddar for complex flavor.

Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Add thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cream sauce.

Garlic-Lover’s Version

Increase garlic to 4–5 cloves.

Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

Add smoked paprika or smoked cheddar.

Extra Golden Topping

Mix cheese with a pinch of paprika for a deep golden crust.

Savory Onion Version

Add thinly sliced onions between potato layers.

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What to Serve with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas

This dish pairs beautifully with holiday mains and sides.

Perfect Proteins

• Roasted turkey

• Herb-roasted chicken

• Slow-cooked beef roast

• Prime rib

• Garlic butter salmon

• Baked cod

• Vegetarian holiday roasts

Side Dish Companions

• Garlic butter green beans

• Honey glazed carrots

• Broccoli cheddar casserole

• Maple roasted sweet potatoes

• Cranberry pomegranate salad

• Holiday rolls or biscuits

Cheesy scalloped potatoes anchor the plate with warmth and comfort.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Holiday meals are easier when you prep ahead. This recipe is one of the best for advance preparation.

Assemble Ahead (Best for Flavor)

• Assemble layers fully (uncooked).

• Cover tightly with foil.

• Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

• Bake when ready to serve.

Partial Bake Method

• Bake covered for 40 minutes.

• Let cool.

• Refrigerate.

• Finish baking the last 20–25 minutes before serving.

Freezing

Fully baked scalloped potatoes can be frozen for later, though texture is slightly softer.

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Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes (best texture)

• Microwave: Works but softens the potatoes

• Air fryer: 325°F for 6–8 minutes to crisp the top

For reheating, add a splash of cream if the dish looks dry.

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Why Scalloped Potatoes Are a Christmas Classic

This dish feels nostalgic, comforting, and festive. Warm, creamy, and beautifully layered, it brings families together and completes the winter table with elegance.

Scalloped potatoes symbolize:

• Togetherness

• Comfort

• Warmth

• Celebration

They’re the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and holiday luxury.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting potatoes too thick: leads to undercooking

• Boiling the cream: causes separation

• Using pre-shredded cheese: contains anti-caking agents that reduce creaminess

• Not covering the dish at first: causes drying and uneven cooking

• Skipping resting time: sauce stays runny

Following the method above ensures flawless results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—there is no flour or thickener.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Not recommended. Milk will not thicken and may curdle.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère create the perfect balance.

Can I skip garlic?
Yes, but garlic enhances flavor significantly.

Do these scalloped potatoes need bacon?
No—this version is completely pork-free.

Can I use evaporated milk?
It works in a pinch but won’t be as rich as cream.

Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely—use a smaller baking dish.