Name: Cheesy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 18 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup ranch dressing*; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup whole milk; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded (8 oz), divided; 3 lbs russet potatoes (about 5 large), peeled and thinly sliced (less than 1/8″ thick); 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped, for garnish

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Cheesy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish—creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor. With tender slices of russet potatoes coated in a savory ranch and cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or on a busy weeknight, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Cheesy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with flavor: Ranch dressing, garlic, and cheddar cheese create a bold, savory combination.
Effortless prep: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make it weeknight-friendly.
Perfectly creamy texture: Every slice is coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce.
Family favorite: Comforting, cheesy, and satisfying for adults and kids alike.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and bake later or reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup ranch dressing*
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup whole milk
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
3 lbs russet potatoes (about 5 large), peeled and thinly sliced (less than ⅛” thick)
¼ cup chives, finely chopped, for garnish

*Use your favorite store-bought or homemade ranch. Powdered mix can also be used if prepared according to instructions.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, milk, minced garlic, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Add the potatoes:
Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the bowl and stir until each slice is well coated in the sauce.
Assemble the casserole:
Evenly spread the coated potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pat them down lightly and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 65–75 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Then broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
Rest and serve:
Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with finely chopped chives.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 38 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
Switch the cheese: Try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for different flavors.
Add veggies: Mix in sautéed onions, spinach, or chopped broccoli for a vegetable boost.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Use different potatoes: Yukon Golds or red potatoes work too but may have a slightly different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled scalloped potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing in the oven.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?

No, the thin slices cook fully in the oven. Just be sure to slice them uniformly for even cooking.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt with herbs and garlic as a substitute or prepare ranch from a dry mix packet.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just ensure your ranch dressing and cheese are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free cheese, mayonnaise, and milk substitutes. The texture may vary, but it can still be delicious.

How thin should the potato slices be?

Less than ⅛ inch thick is ideal. A mandoline slicer makes this quick and uniform.

What kind of cheese works best?

Medium or sharp cheddar offers bold flavor and good melt. Combine with mozzarella for extra gooeyness if desired.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger baking dish. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover with foil for most of the baking time and only broil briefly at the end to brown the top.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes! Sweet potatoes pair well with the creamy ranch and cheese but will bring a sweeter flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ranch Scalloped Potatoes are a flavorful and comforting side dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. The creamy ranch sauce, tender layers of potatoes, and cheesy topping come together to make a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight dinner or at a holiday feast, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.