There’s nothing like digging into a warm, cheesy dish of scalloped potatoes. This version has a spicy, smoky upgrade thanks to chipotle peppers in adobo.
It’s the kind of side dish that totally steals the show. Creamy, melty Monterey Jack meets tender sliced potatoes and just the right heat. Let’s make it!
🧂 What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Box grater
🔥 Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s always a hit at my table—holiday, Sunday dinner, or random Tuesday.
- Creamy comfort food with attitude.
- The chipotle brings smoky flavor, not just heat.
- Monterey Jack melts like a dream—so gooey and rich.
- Perfect next to steak, chicken, or just by itself.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Chipotle peppers add capsaicin, which gives heat while their smoky flavor comes from being dried over wood. The fat in cream helps mellow the spice and carry the flavor. Monterey Jack cheese has excellent meltability due to its high moisture content, making that creamy base extra silky.
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Pair with grilled chicken and a green salad
- Serve as a side with BBQ ribs
- Add to your holiday dinner table with roast turkey or ham
- Leftovers make a perfect lunch with a fried egg on top
❌ Common Mistakes
- Slicing too thick – Potatoes won’t cook evenly or soften fully.
- Not using enough salt – The potatoes need seasoning in the sauce to shine.
- Rushing the sauce – Letting the cream simmer helps everything meld.
- Overbaking – Keep an eye out for golden, not burnt edges.
🔁 Substitutions + Variations
- Swap Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack for extra heat
- Use Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture
- Add caramelized onions for a sweeter contrast
- For vegetarian, just skip any meat pairings—it’s already meat-free
🕰️ Make Ahead Tips
- You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead.
- Cover and refrigerate before baking, then add 10–15 minutes to baking time.
- Sauce can be made 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
👨🍳 Instructions
Servings: 6-8
Cook Time: 1 hour
1. Preheat oven and prep your dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the chipotle cream sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream, stir in chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.
3. Slice and layer the potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half of the chipotle cream sauce over the top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
4. Repeat with remaining ingredients
Layer the rest of the potatoes, pour the rest of the sauce, and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Serve and enjoy
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes out of the oven—this helps the sauce thicken and the flavors settle. Then slice and serve warm. Each bite should be creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of smoky-spicy.
🥡 Leftovers + Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Add a splash of cream if reheating in oven to revive moisture.
🍗 What to Serve With
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Roasted chicken thighs
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
❓ FAQ
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Just use one chipotle pepper and skip the adobo sauce.
Can I freeze this?
Not ideal—the cream base may separate. Better to refrigerate.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Use whole milk in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.
What if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
Use mozzarella or mild cheddar as a swap.
✨ Wrap-Up
These spicy chipotle scalloped potatoes bring big flavor without a lot of fuss. They’re rich, creamy, smoky, and just spicy enough to make things interesting.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes in the comments. Got a question or a twist you added? I’d love to hear it!