Scalloped Potatoes are one of those classic side dishes that immediately spark feelings of comfort and celebration. Layers of buttery, thin-sliced potatoes swim in a rich, creamy sauce, bubbling under a blanket of melted cheese with just a hint of spice. Every forkful is the perfect balance of soft, tender potato and golden, cheesy crust—ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to show family and friends a little extra love around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple by relying on key ingredients, each with its own star role in the final dish. Every ingredient helps deliver flavor, texture, and that signature lusciousness Scalloped Potatoes are famous for.
- Russet potatoes (4 cups, thinly sliced): Their starchy nature helps the dish become creamy and tender in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Rich, creamy flavor forms the base of the luxurious roux.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency to coat every slice.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Gives the sauce its smooth, velvety body.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds that extra layer of decadence you expect from memorable Scalloped Potatoes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for lifting all the flavors from the potatoes and sauce.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle kick that keeps the richness in balance.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a savory backbone to the creamy goodness.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Works quietly in the background to round out the flavors.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle classic touch that makes the sauce truly special.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for gooey, tangy, melted layers.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Finishes the top with a salty, nutty punch and golden crust.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Pops of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps those first golden layers slide out easily when serving.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter, savoring the aroma as it foams. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This forms a roux, which thickens your sauce without leaving any floury taste behind. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking smoothly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce gently thickens, about five minutes. Now, add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg—these aromatics will infuse every drop of your velvety blend.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheeses
Arrange half the sliced russet potatoes in an even layer covering the base of your baking dish. Pour half of the dreamy cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring good coverage. Sprinkle with half the cheddar and Parmesan, creating a tempting first layer of cheesy promise. Repeat the process: layer on the rest of the potatoes, cover with more sauce, and finish with the remaining cheeses for one glorious top.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This steams the potatoes so they cook through and absorb all the flavors. Remove the foil and return to the oven for another 20 minutes. This final stretch lets the cheese bubble and brown to crispy perfection, while the sauce thickens and the potatoes become tender. You’ll know the Scalloped Potatoes are ready when a knife slides effortlessly through the layers and the top is gorgeously golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the dish stand for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set, so your pieces hold together. Just before bringing it to the table, shower with chopped fresh parsley for a final burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds both flavor and a vibrant green finish, making the creamy potatoes pop visually. For extra decadence, some people love adding a little extra grated Parmesan or even a dusting of paprika on top just as it comes out of the oven.
Side Dishes
Scalloped Potatoes are an all-star side for everything from holiday roasts to simple grilled chicken. Try them next to honey-glazed ham, roast turkey, or a juicy steak. To balance their richness, consider a bright green salad, steamed broccoli, or lemony asparagus on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
While a classic family-style dish is unfailingly inviting, you can also scoop the potatoes into mini ramekins for individual servings, or cut them into neat squares with a metal spatula. For a rustic touch, bake them in a cast iron skillet—perfect for serving right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Scalloped Potatoes keep incredibly well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers an extra treat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool fully, then transfer portions to airtight, freezer-safe containers. You can freeze Scalloped Potatoes for up to two months. When you crave some, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 20 to 30 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved, but the oven helps revive that irresistible top crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative—they’re naturally creamy and hold their shape well, which gives a slightly different but equally delicious result.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Be sure to whisk the sauce continuously and don’t let it boil rapidly. A gentle simmer keeps the dairy smooth and luscious, resulting in perfect Scalloped Potatoes every time.
Can I add other cheeses?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with Gruyere, fontina, or even a little Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist. Just be sure to keep some sharp cheddar for that classic tang.
Is it possible to prep the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Scalloped Potatoes up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. When ready, just increase bake time slightly to account for the cold start.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! Just use extra whole milk instead. The result will be a little lighter but still creamy and delicious, so you don’t have to skip making this comfort classic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and a little bit of old-fashioned charm, Scalloped Potatoes are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. Try this recipe soon and let it become a beloved staple at your table, whether for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday supper.
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Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes that are perfect for any occasion. Layers of tender potatoes smothered in a rich sauce and baked to perfection, this classic side dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes
Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg.
- Layer: Place half of the potatoes in the dish, pour half of the sauce, sprinkle half of the cheeses. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 more minutes until golden and tender.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add thinly sliced onions between the potato layers.
- You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
