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

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.
257
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

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.
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