Name: Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 leeks, thinly sliced; 1 lb thinly sliced green cabbage; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick); 2 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ lb Irish cheddar cheese, shredded; Olive oil (enough to coat skillet and drizzle); Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, for topping; Minced chives, for topping; Freshly cracked black pepper, for topping; Flaky sea salt, for topping

If you’re craving a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe is just the ticket. With layers of tender potatoes, caramelized cabbage, and sharp Irish cheddar baked in creamy goodness, it’s like a warm Irish hug on a plate.

A round dish in a black pan filled with a creamy baked casserole topped with a golden brown melted cheese layer mixed with caramelized brown onions spread unevenly across the surface. Thin, light beige potato slices are visible under the cheese and onions in some spots, creating a textured top layer with slightly crispy edges. The dish sits on a rustic white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Irish scalloped potatoes dish—it’s that wonderful mix of rich, creamy, and slightly caramelized flavors that always brings people to the table smiling. Plus, it’s so easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day!

Rich Comfort Food: Creamy heavy cream and sharp Irish cheddar create an indulgent, cozy flavor everyone loves.
Layered Goodness: Thinly sliced russet potatoes and caramelized cabbage offer a wonderful texture combination.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find fresh produce and classic dairy ingredients keep it approachable.
Versatile Dish: Works brilliantly as either a main course or a hearty side for any Irish-inspired feast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. The beauty here is fresh, simple elements that come together to make something truly special. When shopping, look for firm russet potatoes and fresh green cabbage to get that beautiful texture and flavor.

Flat lay of thinly sliced leeks in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with minced garlic cloves, a fresh head of green cabbage with some loose leaves, whole uncracked brown russet potatoes, a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white bowl heaped with shredded pale yellow Irish cheddar cheese, a small bunch of bright green parsley sprigs, a small pile of finely chopped chives, a small white bowl with coarse flaky sea salt, a small white bowl holding freshly cracked black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Leeks: These add a gentle onion flavor that softens beautifully when cooked.
Green cabbage: Adds caramelized sweetness and a touch of earthiness that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
Garlic: Provides a punch of aroma and depth without overwhelming the dish.
Russet potatoes: Ideal for their starchiness and ability to become tender yet hold shape well when thinly sliced.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky sauce that blankets every layer with lusciousness.
Irish cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it adds character and melts to a gorgeous golden crust.
Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding subtle richness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning each layer perfectly.
Fresh parsley and minced chives: For a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the dish.
Freshly cracked black pepper & flaky sea salt: The perfect finishing touches to enhance flavor and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes and what you have on hand. Whether you want to add a smoky twist or lighten it up, there’s room to make this classic dish truly your own.

Variation: For a smoky depth, try stirring in some crispy cooked bacon or pancetta between the layers. I sometimes add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the cabbage for extra warmth—it transforms the dish beautifully!
Vegetarian upgrade: If you want to boost the veggie quotient, tossing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the cabbage adds lovely earthiness and color.
Cheese swap: Don’t have Irish cheddar? No worries! A sharp aged cheddar or even a creamy Gruyère can stand in nicely, giving you that rich, melty, cheesy goodness.
Seasonal twist: In spring or summer, fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon stirred into the cream elevate the flavors, adding brightness to this comforting bake.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe

The dish is a layered potato gratin placed in the center of a white plate with floral patterns on the edges. The gratin has multiple thin layers of golden-brown baked potatoes and melted cheese, topped with small green chive pieces and larger parsley leaves for garnish. The surface has a slightly crispy cheese crust with some browned, caramelized onions adding texture and color contrast. A rose gold fork is placed vertically to the right of the gratin on the plate. The plate sits on a dark rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Getting the Oven and Veggies Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This sets the perfect environment for baking those layers of potatoes and cabbage into tender, golden goodness. Next, heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Sauté the leeks until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Then add the cabbage with a little more oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir often as it cooks down for 8-10 minutes, then lower the heat, add a bit of water, and let everything caramelize gently for 5 more minutes. This slow cooking brings out a natural sweetness that’s the heart of the dish.

Step 2: Aromatic Garlic and Warming Cream

Once the cabbage mixture is soft and caramelized, stir in your minced garlic and cook it just for a minute—too long and it can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it. Then transfer the veggie mixture to a plate and save your skillet; you’ll use it shortly to build the layers. Meanwhile, pour your heavy cream into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat until it just starts to gently simmer. Heating the cream first ensures it melds smoothly with the potatoes as they bake.

Step 3: Perfect Potatoes for Layering

Grab your russet potatoes, slice off the ends, and use a mandoline to get those beautiful thin slices—about ⅛ inch thick. Thin slices are key because they become tender without losing their shape, and they’ll layer perfectly in your skillet. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife works too—just try to keep the slices as even as possible for consistent baking.

Step 4: Building Those Layers

Now comes the fun part—layering! Arrange two circular, overlapping layers of sliced potatoes in your skillet, seasoning lightly with kosher salt. Pour a quarter of your warmed cream over the potatoes, then add a quarter of the cabbage mixture followed by a quarter of the shredded Irish cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of potatoes topped with the remaining cream, cabbage, and cheddar. Each layer builds flavor and creaminess that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 40 minutes. This steaming stage cooks the potatoes through and allows the flavors to meld. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. You’re looking for tender potatoes that you can easily pierce with a knife, and a top that’s beautifully golden brown and bubbling with cheesy creaminess. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the scalloped potatoes sit for about 5 minutes after coming out of the oven. This resting time helps the dish settle so it slices cleanly and the flavors unify. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley, minced chives, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. These little finishing touches brighten the richness and add a lovely fresh note to each bite.

Top Tip

These helpful tips come from my own kitchen trials and will help you get the most delicious and perfectly cooked Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar every time.

Mandoline Slicing Magic: Using a mandoline to slice your russet potatoes ensures each slice is uniformly thin (about ⅛ inch), which means even cooking and a creamy texture throughout the casserole.
Caramelize Those Veggies: Take your time cooking the leeks and cabbage low and slow until tender and caramelized—it adds a lovely depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Layering Matters: Be sure to season each potato layer lightly with kosher salt to build flavor gradually rather than trying to season all at once at the end.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for about 5 minutes after baking—it helps everything set nicely, making serving easier and flavors more vibrant.

How to Serve Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with one main layer of thin, round potato slices that almost cover the whole pan. The potato slices are pale cream colored with light brown edges, and they are lightly sprinkled with coarse salt, giving a bit of sparkle on top. Underneath the potatoes, there is a hint of a warm, cooked filling, possibly caramelized onions or a similar ingredient, seen through small gaps between the slices. The pan sits on a dark wooden surface, which should be imagined as a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and minced chives aren’t just colorful—they add a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheddar. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top elevates each bite with a subtle crunch and mild heat.

Side Dishes

Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar hold their own beautifully as a main or side. Pair them with roasted root vegetables, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or traditional Irish fare like corned beef or slow-cooked lamb for an inviting, comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and retain their creamy texture when stored properly.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for smaller portions, but baking keeps the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture that bakes up creamy and tender, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly waxier texture. Just be sure to slice them very thinly for even cooking.

What if I don’t have Irish cheddar cheese?

A sharp aged cheddar is an excellent substitute if you can't find Irish cheddar. It gives the dish a similarly rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage and potatoes.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a few hours in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe is completely vegetarian, relying on beautiful fresh vegetables, rich cream, and cheesy goodness to satisfy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate comforting, hearty food with simple ingredients. It’s a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table, savor each bite, and feel that warm, homestyle love in every creamy, cheesy layer. I hope it becomes a beloved classic on your table, just as it has on mine.