Dreamy, Creamy Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Your Table

My grandmother’s secret scalloped potatoes technique blends rich cream and tender potato slices into an irresistible comfort dish.

Cheese melts seamlessly between golden layers, creating a creamy texture that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic side dish for its simple yet luxurious appeal.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of crispy edges and smooth, velvety centers.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how these potatoes complement almost any main course.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with sharp cheddar and subtle herbs, promising a memorable dining experience.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering potato masterpiece.

Savory Sides That Go With Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Serve alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or tender beef roast to complement the creamy potato richness.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by adding a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness.
• Select Perfect Wine Companions: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the potato's creamy texture and cheesy flavors.
• Recommend Zesty Side Vegetables: Add roasted asparagus or green beans with a hint of garlic to provide a fresh, vibrant counterpoint to the decadent potatoes.

Why The Best Scalloped Potatoes Deserve The Spotlight

• Effortlessly Indulge in Comfort: This scalloped potatoes recipe delivers ultimate creamy comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
• Quick Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Requiring just basic ingredients and simple steps, this dish transforms ordinary potatoes into a luxurious side that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime delightful.
• Versatile Celebration Companion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or potluck events, these scalloped potatoes elevate any meal with their rich, cheesy goodness and impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding bacon, swapping cheeses, or incorporating herbs, giving you creative freedom to match your taste preferences and meal theme.

Everything You’ll Need For The Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creating creamy, tender layers in this classic dish. Choose firm, smooth potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Buttery potatoes that add extra richness and smooth texture to the dish.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Create a luxurious, silky cream sauce that coats the potatoes. Full-fat dairy ensures maximum flavor and richness.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheeses that provide depth of flavor and a golden, crispy top. Freshly grated cheese melts best.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Classic seasonings that enhance the potato's natural flavor. Fresh garlic offers the most robust taste. Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the cream sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the cream sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How To Bake The Best Scalloped Potatoes Every Time

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Sauce Base

In a medium saucepan, start melting butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Sprinkle flour into the butter and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.

• Milk
• Heavy cream

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)

Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and fold in cheddar cheese until it melts completely.

Step 3: Layer The Potato Magic

Slice potatoes thinly and create alternating layers in the baking dish. Pour half the creamy sauce over the first potato layer. Dust with Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tips For Perfectly Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into even, thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick) for consistent cooking and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before assembling the dish.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar to add depth and complexity to the classic recipe.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – the flavors will intensify and meld together beautifully.
• Dietary Modification: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, and use low-fat cheese options without compromising the rich, comforting taste.

How To Store The Best Scalloped Potatoes With Care

• Refrigerate leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing these potatoes, as the cream sauce may separate and compromise the creamy texture.
• Pro tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the original silky consistency and prevent the potatoes from becoming too dry.

Topping Ideas For The Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Potato Gratin: Elevate the classic recipe by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the cream sauce. Chop the herbs finely and mix them into the sauce for an aromatic, garden-fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy potatoes.
• Bacon and Caramelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes: Crisp up some bacon and caramelize sweet onions before layering them between potato slices. The smoky bacon and sweet onions add depth and complexity to the traditional dish, creating a more robust and satisfying meal.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Version: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and using a sharp, spicy cheddar cheese. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cream sauce for an extra punch of heat that will wake up your taste buds and add excitement to the classic scalloped potatoes.
• Truffle and Gruyère Gourmet Edition: Upgrade the cheese to nutty Gruyère and drizzle a touch of truffle oil over the top before baking. This luxurious variation transforms the humble potato dish into an elegant side that feels like a special occasion treat.

Scalloped Potato FAQs For Easy Prep

• What makes these scalloped potatoes different from other potato recipes?

These potatoes are extra creamy because of the homemade cream sauce with milk, cream, and two types of cheese. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich, deep flavor that sets this recipe apart from basic potato dishes.

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Definitely! Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option that provides a buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor.

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for uniform slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer helps create consistent, thin slices that cook evenly and create perfect layers in the dish. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife works fine – just try to keep the slices as even as possible.

• Is it necessary to use both milk and cream in the sauce?

The combination of milk and cream creates the perfect balance of richness and texture. The cream adds luxurious depth, while the milk prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy. If you want a lighter version, you can use whole milk instead of the cream, but the sauce will be slightly less indulgent.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy “best scalloped potatoes” deliver pure comfort with layers of tender potatoes nestled in rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor each delicious forkful of this classic side dish that brings warmth to any meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate kitchen preparations by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C) while coating a rectangular baking vessel with a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray.
2. Craft a velvety sauce foundation by gently melting butter in a cooking vessel, introducing finely chopped garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to permeate. Incorporate flour and create a smooth roux, whisking diligently to eliminate any raw undertones.
3. Gradually introduce milk and cream into the roux, maintaining constant motion to prevent clumping. Season with salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg, stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
4. Remove sauce from heat and integrate shredded cheddar, ensuring complete melting and a uniform texture.
5. Layer thinly sliced potatoes methodically across the prepared baking dish, alternating between potato layers and cream sauce, generously sprinkling Parmesan between each stratum.
6. Crown the composition with remaining cheddar, creating a tempting golden surface.
7. Encase the dish in aluminum foil, allowing potatoes to steam and tenderize during initial baking phase.
8. After 45 minutes, unveil the dish, permitting the surface to caramelize and develop a crisp, golden exterior.
9. Extract from oven and permit the creation to rest, allowing flavors to harmonize and sauce to stabilize.
10. Optionally embellish with freshly chopped parsley and serve while warmth remains inviting.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most luxurious texture in your dish.
• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and consistent layers.
• Pat potato slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and achieve a crispy golden top.
• Experiment with cheese variations like Gruyère or Swiss for a more complex, nutty flavor profile.
• Make this dish ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Reduce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream without sacrificing richness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour in the cream sauce and checking cheese ingredients.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham between potato layers for a hearty protein boost that transforms the side dish into a main course.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 471 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg