Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food—a rich and creamy dish featuring tender potato slices baked to perfection in a luscious, velvety sauce. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a potluck, this scalloped potatoes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every detail, from selecting the best potatoes to perfecting the creamy sauce. Plus, we’ll share expert tips, delicious variations, and serving suggestions to take this dish to the next level.

What Are Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Unlike au gratin potatoes, which contain cheese in every layer, traditional scalloped potatoes rely on a creamy béchamel sauce for their signature richness, though many modern versions incorporate cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes

To make this mouthwatering scalloped potatoes recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect scalloped potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer works best for uniform slices.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. If using cheese, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly.
3. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
4. If using cheese, sprinkle additional cheddar on top for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
3. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes provide a soft, creamy texture, while Yukon Golds offer a firmer bite with a buttery flavor.
• Slice potatoes evenly: Using a mandoline ensures uniform cooking.
• Avoid curdling: Heat the milk before adding it to the roux, and use fresh dairy products.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to cool slightly before serving helps the sauce set properly.

Delicious Variations

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Use Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a melty, indulgent twist.
• Scalloped Potatoes with Ham: Add diced ham between the layers for a heartier dish.
• Garlic and Herb Scalloped Potatoes: Increase garlic and add fresh rosemary for extra flavor.
• Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Top with crispy bacon bits and chives for a baked potato-inspired version.

What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes

This rich dish pairs well with:

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• Main Courses: Roast chicken, baked ham, grilled steak, or seared salmon.
• Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless, comforting side dish that never fails to impress. With this detailed scalloped potatoes recipe, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to create a rich, creamy, and delicious dish every time. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, these potatoes will become a favorite at your table!

Comfort Food

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 6 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked scalloped potatoes make for the ultimate comfort food. This classic dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, flavorful cream sauce, topped with golden, bubbling cheese. Perfect as a side dish for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Base:

• 900 g (2 lbs)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp paprika
• 2 cups (480 ml)
• 1 cup (240 ml)
• 1 cup (100 g)
• ¹⁄₂ cup (50 g)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried thyme (optional)

For the Topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup (50 g)
• ¹⁄₄ cup (25 g)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Slice the Potatoes

1. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) for even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for precision.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.

Layer the Potatoes & Sauce

1. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

Add the Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle the top with additional cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Potatoes

1. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20 more minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Rest & Serve

1. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Note

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
• Variations: Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Keywords: easy, creamy, cheesy, classic, comfort food