Scalloped Potatoes: A Creamy and Comforting Classic
Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce until perfectly tender. This dish is a staple for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, and cozy gatherings, where its golden, bubbly surface and velvety texture make it a crowd-pleaser.

Unlike au gratin potatoes, which include cheese, traditional scalloped potatoes rely solely on a creamy sauce infused with butter, garlic, and seasonings to bring out their deep, satisfying flavor. The result is a dish that is both rustic and elegant, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, vegetables, or served as a standalone indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Scalloped Potatoes
🥔 Rich and Velvety Texture
The thin layers of potatoes absorb the creamy sauce as they bake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
🕒 Perfect Make-Ahead Dish
Scalloped potatoes can be prepared in advance and reheated without losing their delicious texture, making them a great choice for holidays and gatherings.
🌿 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers a depth of flavor that is both rich and comforting.
🍽 Versatile Pairing
Scalloped potatoes complement everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, making them a must-have side dish for any meal.
Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions for Scalloped Potatoes

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick) using a knife or mandoline slicer for even cooking.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for one minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg, letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce over the first layer, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- If using cheese, sprinkle Parmesan or Gruyère over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
6️⃣ Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes
🧄 Enhance the Flavor
For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard to the sauce.
🥔 Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes provide a soft, creamy texture, while Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape and add a buttery flavor.
🔥 Crispier Topping
For a golden crust, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
🕒 Make It Ahead
Prepare the dish up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Variations to Try
🧀 Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese between layers for a richer, au gratin-style dish.
🥓 Bacon-Loaded Potatoes: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
🌱 Herb-Infused Potatoes: Use fresh rosemary or basil for an aromatic flavor boost.
🥦 Vegetable-Enhanced Version: Add spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions between the layers for added texture and taste.
Why Scalloped Potatoes Are a Must-Try
Scalloped potatoes are more than just a side dish—they are a creamy, satisfying, and heartwarming classic that belongs on every dinner table. Whether served at a holiday feast, family dinner, or special occasion, their rich texture and delicate seasoning make them a dish everyone will love.
Try making scalloped potatoes today and enjoy a perfectly creamy, buttery, and golden dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick) using a knife or mandoline slicer for even cooking.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for one minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg, letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce over the first layer, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- If using cheese, sprinkle Parmesan or Gruyère over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and enjoy.