There’s something truly magical about a bubbling dish of Scalloped Potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest: layers of tender potatoes tucked into a creamy, cheesy sauce, golden and irresistible straight from the oven. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday side or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, these Scalloped Potatoes promise to deliver warmth, savory flavor, and a little nostalgia with every bite. If you’re in the mood for a dish that draws rave reviews from everyone at the table, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what transforms humble potatoes into sheer potato bliss! This short list of ingredients is what gives Scalloped Potatoes their ultra-creamy texture, full flavor, and that iconic golden top. Each ingredient has a starring role to play, so don’t skimp on quality!

Russet potatoes: The classic choice; their starchiness creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite you want in every slice.
Unsalted butter: Brings rich flavor and helps create the velvety base for the cheese sauce.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: A touch of sharpness that elevates the overall savoriness.
All-purpose flour: This is key for thickening the sauce so it coats every slice of potato perfectly.
Whole milk: Makes the sauce extra creamy; you can sub in some cream for even more indulgence.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold, tangy flavor and beautiful meltability.
Parmesan cheese: Lends nuttiness and helps that gorgeous golden top form.
Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors and ensures every bite is tasty.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness.
Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way to add warmth and subtle complexity.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens the whole dish with fresh, herby color.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or a quick spritz of cooking spray. This little touch ensures your Scalloped Potatoes lift out smoothly and helps achieve those crispy, caramelized edges we all love.

Step 2: Create the Flavored Base

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about four minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute until fragrant—it’s amazing how quickly these two simple steps add so much flavor right at the start!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your buttery onion mixture and cook while stirring constantly for one to two minutes. This forms a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to keep things smooth—patience here pays off! Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up, roughly five minutes. Take it off the heat, then add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until they’re melted and the sauce is creamy and glossy. Season with salt, pepper, and just a touch of nutmeg for a subtle background warmth.

Step 4: Layer the Scalloped Potatoes

Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. Pour half of that luscious cheese sauce evenly over the top, then layer on the remaining potatoes before adding the rest of the sauce. This ensures every bite of Scalloped Potatoes is perfectly cheesy and flavorful from top to bottom.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes to get the potatoes ultra tender. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let your masterpiece rest for about 10 minutes before you dig in—this helps the sauce set up so your servings stay gorgeous on the plate.

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

A fresh pop of chopped parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds beautiful color but also a hint of earthy flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra Parmesan never hurts, or try some thinly sliced green onions for a gentle oniony bite on top.

Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes play well with so many main courses! Try them with roasted chicken, ham, or a holiday roast. For lighter fare, serve alongside a crisp green salad or some simply prepared steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, bake individual portions in small ramekins—everyone will love getting their own bubbling dish. Or, use a round deep-dish pan for a rustic country vibe and let the edges get extra crispy. Any way you serve it, these potatoes always look (and taste) special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Scalloped Potatoes cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days and may taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Scalloped Potatoes. Cool the dish thoroughly, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive that creamy, cheesy texture, reheat the potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through. If the sauce looks a little thick, adding a splash of milk before reheating can help. A quick blast under the broiler at the end will get the top bubbling again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Swiss, or even smoked gouda for a twist. Just make sure the cheese you use melts well for that silky sauce.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is totally up to you! Russet potato skins can be a bit thick, so most people prefer them peeled for Scalloped Potatoes. If you use Yukon Golds with thinner skins, you can leave them on for a more rustic texture.

Can I make Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to one day in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.

What can I use instead of milk for a dairy-free version?

If you need a dairy-free version, try unsweetened almond or oat milk and your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds. The results will be a little different, but still super creamy and delicious.

Why do my potatoes turn out hard sometimes?

This usually happens if your potatoes are sliced too thick or if the oven temperature is off. Slice them as thin as possible (a mandoline is handy) and make sure your oven is fully preheated for tender, perfectly cooked Scalloped Potatoes every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts nostalgia and comfort, Scalloped Potatoes are always a winning choice. Whether you serve them as the star side at a big holiday meal or for a cozy Sunday dinner, these layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try—the only thing you’ll regret is not making a double batch!

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these classic scalloped potatoes baked to perfection. A comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Layers:

4 large russet potatoes thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, sauté onion and garlic, add flour, then milk. Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, pour half of the cheese sauce, then repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.