If you are on the hunt for a comforting, luscious side dish that elevates any meal, you absolutely need this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in your repertoire. Imagine tender slices of potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples with a twist of indulgence, making it the ultimate cozy classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just craving a soul-satisfying side, these scalloped potatoes will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is easy because it calls for straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy finish.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold offers a buttery texture, while Russet gives a fluffier bite—both work beautifully when sliced thin.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for creating a rich base and sautéing the onions without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a gentle savory punch that enhances the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent creating that luscious, velvety cheese sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Brings creaminess and balances richness perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra decadence, ensuring the sauce is smooth and indulgent.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Crucial for bringing out every flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic touch in creamy dishes that subtly elevates the flavor without stealing the show.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that bold, cheesy punch you crave.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a nutty, savory note that enhances the overall richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your potatoes don’t stick and get a perfect golden crust later on.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one more minute until fragrant—this creates a flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, whisking constantly for one to two minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens your sauce. Slowly, whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously so the sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg, then let the mixture simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely—this is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheesy sauce over the potatoes, ensuring every slice is beautifully coated. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, then pour over the rest of the sauce, giving your scalloped potatoes that irresistibly creamy texture in every bite.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan on top, adding lovely golden color and extra cheesiness as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and place it in your preheated oven for 40 minutes—this traps steam to cook the potatoes through perfectly. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling with crisp edges.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes to thicken up even more before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you want a pop of color and a fresh herby note to cut through the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brings a lovely burst of color and a subtle freshness that balances the creamy richness. For a special touch, a few crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top add delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as grilled vegetables or a simple green salad. Its indulgent, cheesy nature makes it a perfect companion to lighter, smoky, or herbaceous mains to create a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or holidays. For an extra twist, layer in some cooked bacon or ham between potato slices. Alternatively, swap cheddar for Gruyère to give the dish a nutty, sophisticated flavor all its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scalloped potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover them tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the cheese crust from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking—assemble it all the way through Step 4, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time until fully cooked and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the potatoes tender and the cheese sauce creamy, unlike microwaving which can sometimes alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and bake evenly, but you can experiment with red or fingerling potatoes. Just keep the slices uniformly thin for best results.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with additional whole milk or half-and-half, but expect a slightly less rich and creamy sauce. For dairy-free substitutes, unsweetened almond or oat milk with a bit of vegan butter can work.
How do I make my scalloped potatoes extra cheesy?
Mixing different types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack with cheddar can add layers of flavor and meltability. Don’t shy away from extra cheese in the layers and topping for that perfectly gooey finish.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking, especially in the center.
Will this recipe work in smaller or individual portions?
Definitely. Use smaller baking dishes or individual ramekins and adjust baking time accordingly—smaller portions may need less time to cook through, so keep an eye on the dish as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings joy and comfort to the table every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get that luxurious, melty, and flavorful side that perfectly complements a wide range of meals. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making this all-star scalloped potatoes recipe not only for holidays but as a delightful everyday treat too!
Print
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a blend of milk and cream. Enhanced with savory onions, garlic, and warm nutmeg, this American classic side dish is perfect for holidays or comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Make roux and sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese to sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer potatoes and sauce: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Add topping and cover: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil to prevent burning during the initial baking phase.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and garnish: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a layer of cooked bacon or ham between the potato layers.
- You can substitute Gruyère cheese for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
