If there’s one dish that has universal comfort appeal, it’s the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Velvety layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich cream sauce infused with aromatic onion and garlic, and a cascade of bubbling cheddar and Parmesan—all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. With its irresistible cheesy crust and tender interior, this classic side belongs at every family gathering, holiday table, or weeknight meal that calls for something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just wholesome, familiar ingredients that magically combine into a dish greater than the sum of its parts. Each element plays an important role, from creaminess to depth of flavor, creating the unforgettable comfort of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Lends richness to the base of your sauce and helps develop a classic roux without overpowering the other flavors.
- Yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma to the creamy sauce, creating savory depth.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a subtle, savory kick that makes every bite more mouthwatering.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect silky texture that clings to each slice of potato.
- Whole milk: Provides creamy body while keeping the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that luxurious richness and velvety finish scalloped potatoes are famous for.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors and balancing the richness.
- Ground black pepper: Adds gentle, warming spice to every layer.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch gives the finished dish warmth and complexity—don’t skip this secret ingredient!
- Yukon Gold potatoes (thinly sliced): These waxy potatoes keep their shape while becoming perfectly tender, giving the recipe its satisfying texture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers a punchy, tangy flavor in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, umami-rich finish you’ll love on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor for the picture-perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray—this keeps those delicious cheesy bits from sticking. Having everything ready at the start streamlines your process and guarantees a gorgeous finish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in your finely chopped onion and let it sauté for about 4–5 minutes. You’re aiming for soft, translucent onions—the kind that melt right into the sauce and give it soul. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over your aromatic onion-garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. This step forms a classic roux—the foundation of any creamy sauce. Take care not to rush; a little patience here means ultra-smooth results in your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Whisk in Dairy and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to fend off lumps. Add the salt, black pepper, and that all-important nutmeg. Continue to whisk for about 4–5 minutes, until your sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of your spoon. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the prepared baking dish, overlapping the slices slightly to create a lovely pattern. Pour half of your cream sauce right over the top, making sure all those beautiful layers are blanketed evenly. Now, sprinkle on half the cheddar and half the Parmesan, creating the first cheesy layer of your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Step 6: Repeat and Finish Layering
Repeat the process with your remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses, building up another irresistible layer. This stacking creates that signature creamy, cheesy, fork-tender center everyone craves.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and let it bake for 40 minutes. This steamy environment helps the potatoes soften and soak up all the creamy goodness. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and return to the oven for another 25–30 minutes. This is when the top transforms into a golden, bubbling, cheesy crust. Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking so every slice holds together neatly.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders to highlight the golden hues and adds a fresh, peppery note. You can also try sliced chives or a dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling a little extra. Let your creativity shine—presentation counts just as much as flavor.
Side Dishes
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is utterly dreamy alongside herb-roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a juicy steak. For vegetarians or lighter meals, pair it with simple green beans, a fresh garden salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables. It’s endlessly versatile—just be ready for seconds!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving game up a notch by baking individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties or special occasions. For potlucks or picnics, cut the cooled casserole into neat squares for easy plating. You can even pile leftovers onto toasted sourdough and broil for instant brunch bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers (if you have any!) of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully. Cool the casserole completely, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—the flavors develop even more after a day or two.
Freezing
Scalloped potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Let the dish cool thoroughly, then wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream if it looks dry. Microwave reheating works too, but baking keeps the top layer luscious and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use another type Side Dish
Yukon Golds are perfect for this recipe thanks to their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but you can also use Russet potatoes if you prefer a softer, fluffier result. Just remember to slice them as evenly as possible.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?
Certainly—feel free to mix in cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even a layer of caramelized leeks for more flavor. Changing up the cheese is fun too; Gruyère or smoked gouda are delicious alternatives to cheddar.
How do I get perfectly thin potato slices?
A mandoline slicer is the ultimate tool! It helps you get even, paper-thin slices that cook uniformly, but a sharp chef’s knife and a bit of patience work just fine in a pinch.
What makes this scalloped potato recipe creamy and not curdled?
Thickening the cream sauce with a proper roux and adding the cheese in layers rather than directly to the sauce ensures the creaminess stays silk-smooth and doesn’t break or curdle during baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to make this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe and share it with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or cozy family dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit that brings warmth and a touch of luxury to any table. Give it a try and watch this classic side dish become a new family favorite!
Print
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of these creamy scalloped potatoes, a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes are baked to golden perfection in a velvety sauce with a cheesy crust on top.
Ingredients
For the Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté onion, add garlic, sprinkle flour, whisk in milk and cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and cook until slightly thickened.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, pour half of the cream sauce, sprinkle half of the cheeses. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until golden and potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar for a more traditional taste.
- For uniform potato slices, consider using a mandoline slicer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
