If you are on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This classic comfort food is everything you hope for in a side dish — tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce with hints of garlic and onion that make every bite sing. Perfectly golden on top and beautifully creamy underneath, these scalloped potatoes elevate any meal and make the perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform simple potatoes into a show-stopping dish.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Their starchiness creates that signature creamy texture when baked, so choose your favorite.
- Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan): Adds richness and a delectable melt that brings the entire dish to life.
- Heavy cream and milk: Combined to create a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly coats each potato slice.
- Onions: Impart a savory sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Gives the sauce an aromatic depth that makes it irresistibly comforting.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, nutmeg, thyme): These subtle flavors enhance and round out the dish without overpowering the potatoes.
How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Slice Potatoes Evenly
Start by peeling your potatoes, then slice them evenly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Getting uniform thickness is key — this not only ensures that your potatoes cook evenly but also creates that silky texture that defines the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, gently simmer together the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or thyme if you like. Let this mixture cook for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes fragrant and all the flavors harmonize. This rich cream sauce is the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients
Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Begin by layering some potato slices evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle on some chopped onions. Drizzle a portion of your warm cream sauce over the potatoes, then add a generous scattering of your chosen cheese. Repeat these layers, building up a beautiful stack until all your ingredients are used, finishing off with an extra layer of cheese on top to create a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes. This covered baking steams the potatoes to tender perfection. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and add a bit more cheese on top, then continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the surface is golden and bubbly, signaling that heavenly moment when crispy meets creamy.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and settle so that every slice stays intact and smooth. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite mains and watch everyone fall in love with the dish instantly.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy potatoes. For an extra touch, a light dusting of smoked paprika can lend a subtle smoky depth.
Side Dishes
The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like crispy chicken, juicy pork chops, or tender beef brisket. It also complements green vegetables like sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts, rounding out your meal with a balance of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve these scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an elegant touch. You can also layer the dish with thin slices of ham or sautéed mushrooms for an exciting twist on tradition that brings new life to this timeless classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scalloped potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors mature and meld beautifully, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze scalloped potatoes, but note that the texture of the potatoes may become a bit softer on reheating. To freeze, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat your scalloped potatoes, placing them in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and warming at 350°F (175°C) until heated through helps maintain that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the top crust indulgently crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Russet and Yukon Gold are recommended for their ideal starch content and creaminess, you can experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that waxy potatoes may produce a firmer texture, not quite as creamy as the classic versions.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Absolutely! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce richness. However, keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and depth of flavor that make this the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
How thin should the potato slices be?
Slices about 1/8 inch thick are ideal. Thin enough to cook evenly and absorb the sauce completely, but not so thin that they turn mushy during baking.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when ready. This makes meal planning a breeze and enhances the flavors as they meld overnight.
What are some good cheese combinations for this recipe?
Mixing sharp Cheddar with nutty Gruyère is a popular choice for a deep flavor profile. Parmesan adds a lovely salty tang when sprinkled in the layers or on top. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to customize your scalloped potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe — it’s comfort food elevated to a loving work of art. Whether you’re cooking for a festive feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe brings out warmth, richness, and joy in every forkful. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, milk, garlic, and cheese. The layers of potatoes, savory onions, and rich cheese are baked until golden and bubbly, creating a comforting and velvety side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced evenly
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute with Gruyère or Parmesan)
- Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Slice Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them evenly using a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness, which promotes even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg and thyme. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and well combined, stirring occasionally.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle a portion of chopped onions over the potatoes, drizzle some of the cream sauce on top, and then add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and top off the dish with additional cheese. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken slightly. Serve hot as a rich and comforting side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Notes
- Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve even potato slices that cook uniformly.
- Russet potatoes create a creamier texture due to their starchiness; Yukon Golds provide a buttery flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese blend based on your preference; Gruyère adds a nuttier note compared to cheddar.
- Adding nutmeg or thyme to the cream sauce enhances the depth of flavor but is optional.
- Make sure to cover the dish during the initial baking to trap moisture and cook the potatoes until tender.
- Letting the dish rest before serving improves slicing and flavor melding.
