There’s a reason Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are a mainstay on holiday tables and cozy Sunday dinners alike: they’re classic comfort food at its finest. Imagine delicate layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that bubbles to golden perfection in the oven. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, with every spoonful delivering warm, nostalgic flavors that pair beautifully with anything from roast chicken to your favorite winter veggies. Whether you’re gathering with family or just treating yourself to something special, you’ll fall in love with how these simple ingredients come together for a stunning side dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a dish as beloved as Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, you don’t need anything fancy—just wholesome, familiar ingredients that work their magic together. Each one plays a part, from building velvety texture to bringing depth and color to every bite.

Russet potatoes: Essential for their starchy texture, they create beautiful, tender layers that soak up all the cheesy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its luxurious, silky base and deep flavor.
All-purpose flour: The secret thickener for that creamy sauce, ensuring it clings to the potatoes perfectly.
Whole milk: Adds richness and body to the dish—don’t skimp here!
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: That classic, sharp cheesy bite that turns every forkful into pure bliss.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish both in the sauce and as the perfect crispy topping.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves infuse the sauce with incredible depth and a subtle aromatic warmth.
Salt: Brings all the flavors into balance—don’t be shy, potatoes love a little extra seasoning!
Black pepper: A mild kick that rounds out the richness with just the right touch of spice.
Ground nutmeg (optional): If you want a hint of cozy, nutty aroma, just a pinch will do wonders.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and scattered on top at the end, it adds fresh color and a dash of brightness.

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C); this ensures you get that golden, bubbling finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, so those glorious layers of potatoes won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just 30 seconds will do. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a pale roux forms, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk as the mixture thickens; give it 5 minutes and you’ll see the sauce transform. Off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar, half of your Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it) until everything is creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Layer Those Potatoes

Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, shingling them neatly so every bite is layered to perfection. Pour half the creamy cheese sauce over this first layer, spreading it gently so the potatoes are blanketed. Repeat with the rest of your potatoes and top with the remaining sauce—don’t leave any sauce behind!

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly across the top; it’ll form that irresistible cheesy crust as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and the potatoes are tender all the way through. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so all that creamy goodness sets just right.

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Garnishes

A finishing flourish of fresh parsley brightens everything up, adding a pop of green and a whisper of fresh flavor. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even chives if you want to get creative. These little touches make your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes look downright irresistible when you carry them to the table.

Side Dishes

The rich, cheesy nature of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes means they shine alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or any main with bold flavors like glazed ham, roast beef, or even grilled mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian spread. For holiday feasts, serving it with turkey or chicken never fails to satisfy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or bringing this dish to a potluck, try baking individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for adorable, personal-sized servings. You can also amp things up by layering in crispy bacon bits or diced ham between the potatoes or using a mix of Yukon Golds for extra creaminess and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Simply let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer leftovers into airtight containers. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making seconds irresistible!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers: cut them into individual portions and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be ready for comfort-food cravings for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 25 minutes. For quick single servings, use the microwave in 45-second bursts, but don’t forget to add a splash of milk or cream to keep things moist and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Yes! While russets are classic for their starch content, which thickens the sauce beautifully, Yukon Golds work just as well and result in an extra creamy, almost buttery dish. You can even mix the two varieties for great texture and flavor contrast.

Is it possible to make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble the dish completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let the pan come slightly to room temperature before popping it in the oven so it bakes evenly.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook through and aren’t hard?

The key is slicing the potatoes thinly and baking the dish covered for the first 45 minutes to build up steam, then uncovering for that perfect crispy top. If you’re ever unsure, just pierce the potatoes with a fork near the center—they should be tender and easy to cut.

Can I add more cheeses or extras to this recipe?

Definitely! Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are endlessly customizable—Gruyère, fontina, or even a little smoked gouda can bring exciting flavors. Feel free to stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed leeks for a special twist.

Why does my sauce sometimes curdle?

This usually happens if the sauce is cooked over heat that’s too high or if you skip the roux step. Whisking constantly, adding dairy slowly, and letting the sauce thicken gently before adding cheese will give you a smooth, creamy finish every time.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Creamy Scalloped Potatoes at home before, there’s no better time than now. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, always impressive, and sure to gather everyone around the table. Give it a try and watch it disappear!

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of these homemade Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, a classic side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in cheddar, half of Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Layer and Bake: Layer potatoes, pour half of sauce, repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Top with Parmesan. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
Serve: Cool for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.