If you’ve ever craved a side dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. With layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce and a hint of sharp Romano cheese, every bite feels like a cozy hug. It’s a dish that’s as straightforward to prepare as it is soul-satisfying, perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or whenever you want a little extra comfort at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the magic happen in this dish. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect balance of creamy texture, mild sweetness, and savory depth, making this recipe a joyful experience from start to finish.
- Cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish greased so the potatoes don’t stick and makes cleanup easy.
- 5-6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8-1/4 inch thick): Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy interior and tender texture.
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- 3 cups whole milk: Creates the rich, creamy sauce that soaks into every potato layer beautifully.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the milk into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to each slice.
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional): Offers a salty, tangy finish that elevates the dish to another level.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray of cooking oil to ensure your scalloped potatoes don’t stick to the pan while baking. This sets the stage for a perfectly golden finish.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions
Now for the layering! Place a single layer of those thin potato slices at the bottom of your dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions evenly on top, followed by 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Repeat this process, layering potatoes, onions, salt, and pepper until you’ve used up your ingredients. Finish with a final layer of potatoes seasoned with the remaining salt and pepper. This layering ensures each forkful carries the perfect blend of creamy potato and sweet onion.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Whisk together the flour and whole milk in a bowl until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will thicken as it bakes, wrapping around each potato slice with that silky, dreamy texture a creamy scalloped potatoes recipe is known for. Pour the sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, adding a bit more milk if needed to almost cover the top. This helps everything bake evenly and absorb that delicious sauce flavor.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)
For those who love a cheesy touch, sprinkle the grated Romano cheese on top. This optional step adds a delightful salty tang and helps create a beautiful golden crust that’s irresistible once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your baking dish in the oven uncovered for about 1 hour, letting the creamy sauce thicken and the top get that gorgeous golden brown and satisfyingly crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen is a sure sign you’re about to enjoy something incredible.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, give your scalloped potatoes about 10 minutes to cool and set. This little pause makes it easier to slice and serve, and the flavors will have melded beautifully, ready to impress every guest at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich creaminess. If you want a little extra indulgence, a light dusting of grated Parmesan can enhance the savory punch.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, thanks to its smooth, velvety texture and savory flavor. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual servings in ramekins for an elegant touch or layer in a casserole dish with alternating layers of ham or cheese for a heartier variation. You can also make smaller, single-serving portions and gratin them with breadcrumbs for added crunch and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover scalloped potatoes will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When stored properly, the flavors stay just as comforting and delicious, ready to brighten up the next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and foil over plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. This keeps the creamy sauce silky and the potatoes tender without drying them out. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for that creamy texture, Yukon Golds can also work nicely, providing a bit more buttery flavor and creaminess.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit cheese altogether for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slice them between 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thin enough so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce, but thick enough to hold their shape and create tender layers.
Can I add other vegetables to the scalloped potatoes?
Definitely! Thinly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach can be layered in to add color and extra flavor, turning this classic into a more varied dish.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top on scalloped potatoes?
Baking the dish uncovered allows the top to brown nicely. Adding cheese on top encourages browning, while a final broil step for a minute or two can create an extra crispy crust if you love that texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, it won’t just be a side dish; it’ll be a staple in your kitchen, delivering comfort and joy every time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and revisit on special occasions, a lovely combination of simple ingredients and classic technique that’s always a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your potatoes and get ready to bake up something truly heartwarming!
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with onions and baked in a rich, velvety milk and flour sauce, topped with optional Romano cheese for a deliciously golden and crispy finish. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 5–6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8–1/4 inch thick)
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions
Dairy and Sauce
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional)
Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Others
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes and Onions: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper on top. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a final layer of potatoes sprinkled with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until smooth. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and onions, adding a bit more milk if necessary so that the potatoes are almost covered.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Romano cheese evenly over the top to add a sharp, savory flavor and create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown, the sauce is bubbly, and the potatoes are tender and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the scalloped potatoes cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce thicken for the perfect creamy texture.
Notes
- Use thin potato slices between 1/8 to 1/4 inch for even cooking and tender texture.
- Whole milk creates a rich creamy sauce but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Romano cheese is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor and crust; Parmesan can be used as a substitute.
- Letting the dish rest before serving allows the sauce to thicken and prevents it from being runny.
- To save time, you can prepare the layers ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
