If you have been searching for the ultimate comfort food that turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece, your quest ends here. This Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is everything you want in a side dish: decadent layers of tender potatoes soaked in a velvety sauce, with that golden, bubbling cheese crust that makes every bite pure joy. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to indulgence that impresses every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that defines the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These starchy potatoes are essential for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cheese: ChooseCheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan to add deep richness and a slightly nutty finish.
- Heavy cream and milk: These combine beautifully to form the luscious sauce that coats every slice.
- Onions: Bring a subtle sweetness and savory undertone that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper are a must, with optional nutmeg or thyme to add an extra layer of flavor complexity.
How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Slice Potatoes Evenly
Start by peeling and slicing your potatoes using a mandoline. This step is critical because uniform thickness ensures that every slice cooks evenly, resulting in that tender, creamy texture we all crave in scalloped potatoes. Avoid thick slices that won’t cook through or thin ones that become mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, gently simmer the heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. This slow heating lets the flavors meld as the sauce thickens slightly, developing a fragrant richness. For a little extra warmth and flavor depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh thyme. This sauce is the magic that transforms simple potatoes into something truly special.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and start assembling your casserole. Lay down a layer of potato slices, then sprinkle some chopped onions, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and top with a generous handful of cheese. Repeat this layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a thick blanket of cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and absorb the sauce. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown topping. The transformation happening in the oven is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the scalloped potatoes a few minutes to rest. This resting time helps the sauce thicken and the layers settle, making it easier to serve neat slices that hold their structure and oozing creamy goodness.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish stands wonderfully on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the decadent richness. If you love a little extra crunch, consider toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before the final bake.
Side Dishes
Scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats such as turkey, chicken, or beef, soaking up all those delicious pan juices. For a lighter balance, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect harmony between indulgence and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, bake the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for personal servings that look incredibly elegant. Alternatively, crumble some crispy bacon or caramelized onions on top before serving for added texture and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scalloped potatoes are a true blessing. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a perfect next-day treat that’s easy to reheat.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your scalloped potatoes back to life, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake a bit longer until heated through and bubbly once again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Russet and Yukon Gold are preferred for their creamy texture when baked, but you can experiment with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just be mindful they might alter the creaminess and overall softness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The taste will differ but still be delicious.
How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
Using a mandoline to slice potatoes to the same thickness ensures even cooking. Also, covering the dish during most of the bake helps steam and soften the potatoes thoroughly.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What cheese works best for scalloped potatoes?
Cheddar is classic for its sharpness, Gruyère melts beautifully with a slightly nutty taste, and Parmesan adds a salty tang. Feel free to mix cheeses or use your favorite blend for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
There is just something irresistibly comforting about a dish that pools creamy sauce between tender potatoes topped with golden cheese. This Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a treasure that brings happiness to any table with its rich flavors and simple ingredients. Next time you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen repertoire.
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 Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dish with tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a velvety sauce infused with garlic and onions. Perfectly browned on top and richly comforting, it’s an ideal side for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and evenly sliced
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (or Gruyère, or Parmesan depending on preference)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Other
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes evenly using a mandoline or sharp knife to about 1/8 inch thickness for uniform cooking and creamy texture.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or thyme. Simmer gently 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 on the bottom, then sprinkle some sliced onions, drizzle with a portion of the cream sauce, and add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake Covered: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle more cheese on top if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes to let the sauce thicken and set. Serve hot as a delicious side dish with your favorite main courses.
Notes
- Using a mandoline ensures even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Russet potatoes give a creamier texture, but Yukon Gold works well for a buttery flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute some milk with more heavy cream.
- To add a herbaceous note, fresh thyme or a pinch of nutmeg complements the sauce beautifully.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken for clean slices.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and reheated covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
