Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, offering a perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. This dish has long been a favorite for family gatherings, holiday meals, and special occasions. If you’re searching for a side dish that is both rich and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes
- Creamy and Velvety Texture – The combination of whole milk, cream, and butter creates a sauce that beautifully coats the tender potatoes, resulting in a creamy, rich texture in every bite.
- Golden and Bubbly Top – A crispy, golden top with melted cheese adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, creamy layers of potatoes underneath.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, these scalloped potatoes make an ideal side dish. They’re versatile and easy to customize to suit any taste.
- Customizable – You can easily add herbs, spices, or extra cheese to make this dish your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Potatoes:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 9 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced and divided
- 3 cups whole milk (or as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent the dish from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking. You can use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform thickness and make the process easier. If you’re using onions, thinly slice them as well. Set them aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant. Once the garlic is aromatic, stir in the flour to form a roux, and cook it for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly to avoid lumps, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes
Layer the bottom of your prepared baking dish with half of the sliced potatoes. Next, spread half of the cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese. To finish, top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook and soften in the creamy sauce. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake the potatoes for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are fully tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve the dish warm as a perfect side to any meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. For those who prefer a quicker option, you can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, though the texture may differ slightly.
Tips and Variations
- Perfectly Thin Slices: Ensuring that your potato slices are uniform in thickness is key to even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can save you time and ensure each slice is the same thickness.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can switch things up by using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.
- Herb-Infused Flavor: Adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sauce can enhance the flavor profile, giving your scalloped potatoes an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings when you want to save time.
- Add Garlic for Extra Flavor: If you’re a garlic lover, sauté a couple of extra cloves of garlic in the butter at the start of making the sauce to infuse the dish with even more savory richness.
Why This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a Must-Try This dish is a classic for a reason. The combination of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy and cheesy sauce, and the crispy, golden top will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a family dinner, holiday meal, or special occasion, these scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make, and the result is a comforting, indulgent dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Conclusion The recipe for creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With a balance of rich, creamy sauce and tender, perfectly baked potatoes, this dish is both comforting and elegant enough for any occasion. The melt-in-your-mouth cheese and velvety sauce make each bite an experience, and the golden crispy top is just the cherry on top of this crowd-pleasing side. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that will have everyone returning for more!
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Nutrition per serving (This is an estimated calculation based on the ingredients used in the recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 560mg
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 9 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced and divided
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer about 1/3 of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish, followed by 1/3 of the sliced onions. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the layer, and place 2 tablespoons of butter on top. Season with salt and pepper.
- Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining ingredients, ensuring each layer is seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. Pour the warm milk over the potato layers until the liquid is level with the top layer of potatoes.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.