If you’re searching for the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, you’ve just landed on a true gem. Picture tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes bathed in a velvety cream sauce, kissed with sautéed onions, nutty Parmesan, and loads of cheddar, all baked until bubbling and golden. This is no ordinary potato casserole—every bite is a cozy embrace with the perfect balance of rich flavor, creamy texture, and irresistibly cheesy top. Whether you serve it for a holiday, family dinner, or just because comfort is calling, this recipe earns rave reviews and requests for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the magic of this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. These simple elements work together to deliver the kind of taste, texture, and golden color that makes this dish so beloved—and yes, unforgettable.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of your roux, this ensures a rich, savory base without overpowering saltiness.
- Small Onion, Finely Chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, melting right into the cream sauce for rounded flavor.
- Garlic, Minced: Infuses aromatic warmth—don’t skip it if you want full-flavored potatoes!
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to that luscious, perfect consistency without heaviness.
- Whole Milk: Balances richness with just the right amount of light creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent flavor you expect in great scalloped potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t be shy.
- Black Pepper: Adds just enough bite and contrast to the creamy base.
- Ground Nutmeg: The secret weapon—just a pinch brings out warmth and depth in the cheese sauce.
- Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Thinly Sliced: Their starchiness makes for tender, perfectly layered potatoes that hold together beautifully.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Melts to gooey perfection and delivers tangy, bold cheese flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Lends a nutty, salty edge and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a fresh burst of color and herbal finish—a simple finishing touch that elevates the whole dish.
How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a quick mist of cooking spray. This not only keeps the potatoes from sticking but helps develop a delightfully crispy, golden bottom layer you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in your finely chopped onion, stirring often for about 4–5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more—the aroma in your kitchen at this point is a sure sign you’re on track.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
To start your creamy base, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for around one minute. This forms a classic roux and keeps your sauce silky smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure no lumps sneak in. Add your salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then continue to cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and get ready for some potato layering magic.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese
Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your baking dish. Pour over half the cream sauce, letting it trickle into every nook. Sprinkle with half the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Every forkful will be full of creamy, cheesy perfection because of these careful layers!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. This first roast steams the potatoes and gets everything tender. Remove the foil, then bake for another 25–30 minutes. The top will become golden and bubbly, with crispy cheese edges and tender potatoes throughout. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce settle and every slice hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley goes a long way—it adds a bright green flourish and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of fresh thyme or a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle, sophisticated twist.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside classic mains like roasted chicken, baked ham, or a juicy beef roast. Need to round out a holiday spread or a weeknight meal? Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or simple roasted veggies—the creamy potatoes offset lighter, brighter fare so well.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. If you’re feeling festive, use a ring mold to create elegant stacks on individual plates. Or, portion into ramekins for a personal touch at gatherings—these portions are always a hit at potlucks and dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the feast, simply cover any leftovers tightly (or transfer to an airtight container) and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making next-day portions extra delicious!
Freezing
The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Once fully cooled, wrap the dish tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh garnishes.
Reheating
Warm your scalloped potatoes in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through—usually 20–25 minutes for a full dish, or less for smaller portions. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. If the top needs a little reviving, uncover and broil for a minute or two to crisp it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While russets create a soft, layered texture and soak up the cream sauce beautifully, Yukon Golds are a fantastic swap for a slightly creamier, buttery result. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
For the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, aim for slices about one-eighth inch thick. A mandoline slicer is perfect for getting uniform pieces, but a sharp knife and steady hand work just fine, too.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and keep it in the fridge overnight. When you’re nearly ready to serve, bake as directed. Some folks find it even tastier this way, since the flavors have more time to meld.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
You can swap half-and-half for the milk and cream, or use all whole milk for a lighter (but still creamy) result. Keep in mind, you’ll sacrifice a touch of richness if you leave out the cream entirely, but it’ll still be indulgent and tasty.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Of course! Crumbled cooked bacon, fresh herbs like thyme or chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika are all fantastic customizations for your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Layer them in between the potatoes and cheese to really amp up the flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been dreaming of a dinner-table classic that’s guaranteed to please, give this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a try. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and utterly comforting—the kind of dish you’ll return to time and time again, and guests will always request. Grab your potatoes and get baking—your taste buds will be thrilled!
Print
Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, rich cream sauce, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection, making it a must-have side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, cook onion and garlic, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Layer and Bake: Alternate potato slices, cream sauce, and cheeses in the dish. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding bacon or fresh thyme between the layers.
- Yukon gold potatoes can be substituted for russets for a creamier result.
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin potato slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
