The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy scalloped potatoes dance with rich, velvety charm on every dinner plate.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestle between silky cheese and delicate seasonings.

Comfort meets culinary magic in this classic side dish that never disappoints.

Each forkful promises a perfect blend of crispy edges and tender centers.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such magnificent results.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

Dive in and let these scalloped potatoes become your new favorite comfort food.

Scalloped Potatoes That Are Creamy, Buttery, and Classic

• Savor Ultimate Comfort: Rich and Creamy Potato Delight offers irresistible features for home cooks.
• Minimal Prep Effort: Straightforward recipe requires basic kitchen skills with simple slicing and layering techniques that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, warm side dish appeals to all ages, making it perfect for weekend dinners, holiday gatherings, and potluck events where everyone craves delicious comfort food.
• Time-Efficient Cooking: Total preparation and baking takes around 90 minutes, with most time spent hands-off in the oven, allowing home cooks to simultaneously prepare other meal components without constant monitoring.

Creamy Bake-Ready Scalloped Potato Picks

• Potatoes: Starchy and creamy foundation of the dish, best when using waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet.
• Water: Prevents potato slicing from browning quickly.

• Butter: Rich flavor and helps with sautéing.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp tangy flavor and melting quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and nutty undertone.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory background flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements potato and cheese.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright color and fresh herb finish.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps control moisture and prevent excessive browning.

Scalloped Potatoes Cheesy Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring every corner gets covered.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes Perfectly

Carefully peel potatoes and create ultra-thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife.

Submerge potato slices in cold water to prevent discoloration.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté onions until translucent and soft.

Add garlic and cook until wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Stir continuously until sauce becomes silky and smooth.

Step 5: Layer With Love

Create alternating layers of potato slices and cheese sauce in the baking dish.

Ensure each potato slice gets nicely coated.

Top with remaining sauce.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until potatoes turn tender and surface becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow potatoes to rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Baking Tips for Classic Scalloped Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful layered texture throughout the dish.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and stop them from turning brown, which helps maintain their appetizing appearance.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and richer flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents and doesn't melt as smoothly.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free flour if needing a gluten-free version of the creamy sauce.
• Cover the dish initially to steam potatoes, then uncover to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.

Scalloped Potatoes Storage

• Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture deterioration.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture if needed.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the potatoes creamy and prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Side Dish Matches for Scalloped Potatoes

• Cheese and Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy scalloped potatoes with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or honey-glazed ham to create a balanced meal that highlights the potatoes' creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic layer that elevates the dish's earthy undertones and provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy potatoes.
• Temperature Balance: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, allowing the sauce to set and making the dish easier to serve while maintaining its delicious, creamy consistency.

Scalloped Potatoes Classic Variants

• Skinny Potato Casserole: Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt, reducing overall calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Vegan Potato Gratin: Substitute dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, using russet potatoes for a rich, satisfying version.
• Gluten-Free Herb Potatoes: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast, and add extra herbs like rosemary and sage for flavor depth.
• Spicy Southwest Scalloped Potatoes: Incorporate diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle of chili powder for a zesty southwestern-inspired rendition.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my potatoes are sliced evenly?

Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform ⅛-inch thick rounds. This helps potatoes cook consistently and creates a beautiful layered texture.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While cheddar and Parmesan work wonderfully, you can experiment with Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles. Just maintain similar cheese quantities.

• What prevents potato slices from turning brown?

Submerging sliced potatoes in cold water stops oxidation. Drain and pat dry before layering to ensure crisp edges and prevent excess moisture.

• How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and cook as directed.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich cream and sharp cheddar, creating a side dish that will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with lubricant.
2. Transform potatoes into delicate, uniform discs approximately ⅛-inch thick, submerging them in cold water to halt oxidation.
3. Craft a flavor foundation by gently sautéing finely diced onions in melted butter until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and briefly toast to release aromatic essence.
4. Construct a luxurious cream sauce by combining dairy components, allowing them to meld and warm. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and seasonings, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Create architectural layers within the baking dish, alternating potato medallions with cascading cheese sauce. Ensure each stratum receives thorough coverage, culminating with a generous sauce blanket.
6. Shield the culinary creation with aluminum foil, initiating the baking process for 40 minutes. Unveil the dish, continuing cooking until potatoes reach tender perfection and the surface transforms into a golden, effervescent landscape.
7. Allow the potato ensemble to settle briefly, permitting flavors to harmonize. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley before presenting this comforting masterpiece.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Soak potato slices in cold water to prevent oxidation and maintain their bright color before layering.
• Use a mandoline slicer for precise, thin potato rounds that cook evenly and create a beautiful layered presentation.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the sauce.
• Allow the dish to rest after baking, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier without falling apart.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce overall fat content.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham between layers for extra protein and a smoky flavor dimension.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking cheese and cream labels.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg