The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Creamy Golden Goodness

Creamy, comforting scalloped potatoes recipe hold a special place in my culinary heart.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, velvety cheese create pure magic on your plate.

Golden-brown edges promise a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the silky interior.

Potato enthusiasts know this dish delivers serious comfort without complicated techniques.

Secrets to achieving perfect texture involve gentle baking and selecting the right potato variety.

Cheesy, decadent, and surprisingly simple, you can master this classic side dish in no time.

Let’s uncover how a few smart techniques can turn humble ingredients into an unforgettable feast.

Why Best Scalloped Potatoes Are a Family Classic

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Dive into a dish that wraps you in rich, velvety layers of potatoes and cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Master Easy Cooking: Beginners and seasoned cooks can nail this recipe with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Impress guests with a crowd-pleasing side dish that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant, without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Pair this potato dish with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or enjoy it as a satisfying standalone meal that appeals to all ages.

Must-Have Ingredients for Best Scalloped Potatoes Success

• Potatoes: Starchy tubers that form the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.
• Onions: Sweet and aromatic vegetable that adds depth of flavor to the layers.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that creates a creamy and luxurious sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and flavorful cheeses that provide a golden, crispy topping and rich taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that add a subtle earthy and woodsy note to the dish.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a warm, pungent flavor to the cream mixture.

How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and create a delicious golden crust.

Step 2: Create First Potato Layer

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh thyme
• Rosemary

Step 3: Develop Creamy Sauce Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.

Add minced garlic and cook for one minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Cream Mixture

Pour heavy cream into the butter and garlic mixture.

Season with additional salt and pepper. Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer, stirring continuously to blend flavors.

Step 5: Layer Potatoes and Cream

Carefully pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potato and onion layers. Continue layering potatoes, onions, and cream until all ingredients are used.

Ensure the final layer is covered with cream for maximum richness.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the entire surface.

Follow with a layer of Parmesan cheese for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips to Perfect Best Scalloped Potatoes Every Time

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin potato slices for even cooking and a creamy texture.
• Arrange potato and onion layers gently, ensuring each slice overlaps slightly for maximum flavor distribution.
• Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to protect the top from burning while allowing potatoes to cook through completely.
• Choose high-quality sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
• Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking, helping the sauce set and making cutting and serving easier.

Fun Variations on Best Scalloped Potatoes to Try

• Dairy-Free Potato Gratin: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Alternative: Swap thyme and rosemary with fresh dill, tarragon, or chives to create a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly casserole that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese to give the dish a zesty, southwestern kick.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Best Scalloped Potatoes

Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay cuts through the creamy richness, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty potato dish.

Serve alongside herb-crusted roast chicken or garlic-rubbed pork tenderloin to balance the potato’s creamy texture and enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, crisp counterpoint to the dense, cheesy potatoes.

Add pickled vegetables or a quick cucumber salad to introduce acidity that brightens the dish’s heavy, rich characteristics.

How to Keep Best Scalloped Potatoes Fresh and Creamy

• Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream to restore moisture.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• How do I slice potatoes evenly for this recipe?

Use a sharp mandoline or chef’s knife to slice potatoes uniformly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and Parmesan with gruyere, swiss, or monterey jack. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the creamy potato layers.

• What herbs work best with scalloped potatoes?

Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also use sage or parsley. Fresh herbs provide more intense flavor compared to dried herbs.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich cheese and a velvety sauce, promising pure culinary bliss you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 3 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously coating with butter, then heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Create the first potato layer, carefully arranging sliced potatoes and onions to ensure even coverage across the dish.
3. Season the initial layer with a delicate blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the potato’s natural flavors.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 60 seconds.
5. Incorporate heavy cream into the butter and garlic mixture, seasoning with additional salt and pepper, then gently bring to a soft simmer.
6. Methodically pour cream mixture over potato layers, repeating the layering process until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is covered with cream.
7. Distribute grated cheddar cheese evenly across the surface, then generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, golden finish.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy sauce.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, tender results.
• Consider reducing heavy cream with milk for a lighter version without compromising rich flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or Swiss for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg