This Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion where you want something warm, rich, and satisfying. The golden, bubbly top with soft, creamy potatoes underneath makes this dish irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it with roasted meats, grilled veggies, or on its own, these scalloped potatoes will be the star of the meal!
Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The creamy sauce made with butter, milk, and cheese perfectly coats the potatoes, making them rich and delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is a classic side for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or even weeknight comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish is simple yet impressive.
- Customizable: You can easily add herbs, spices, or extra cheese to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes
1. Potatoes
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape well and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Butter
- Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps create a creamy base for the potatoes.
3. Flour
- All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring the layers of potatoes stay creamy but not too runny.
4. Milk & Heavy Cream
- A combination of milk and heavy cream creates the perfect creamy texture for the sauce. You can use just milk for a lighter version or all cream for extra richness.
5. Cheese
- Cheddar or Gruyère cheese is commonly used in scalloped potatoes for its meltability and flavor. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra depth.
6. Garlic
- Fresh garlic adds a subtle, savory flavor to the creamy sauce. You can also add onions for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Seasonings
- Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg enhance the flavor of the creamy potatoes without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
This scalloped potatoes recipe is easy to follow and results in a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and thinly slice 2 1/2 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Use a mandoline slicer for even slices if available.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a single layer of potato slices on top of the sauce. Repeat with alternating layers of potatoes and sauce until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Step 5: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the scalloped potatoes cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Scalloped Potatoes
1. Use a Mandoline for Even Slices
- A mandoline slicer helps you achieve thin, even slices, which ensures that all the potatoes cook at the same rate.
2. Choose the Right Potatoes
- Russet potatoes are great for a creamier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better and add a buttery flavor.
3. Don’t Skip the Cream
- The combination of milk and heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use just milk, but the cream adds a luxurious touch.
4. Add Extra Cheese
- For a cheesier version, sprinkle extra cheese between the layers of potatoes or on top before baking.
5. Let the Dish Rest
- Allowing the scalloped potatoes to rest before serving helps the sauce set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Recipe Variations
1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Add an extra layer of cheese between the potato slices for a cheesy, gooey version.
2. Garlic & Herb Scalloped Potatoes
- Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the sauce for an herb-infused flavor.
3. Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
- Sprinkle crispy, cooked bacon between the layers of potatoes for a savory, smoky twist.
4. Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes
- Replace the cheddar cheese with Gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
5. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
- Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
FAQs: Scalloped Potatoes
1. Can I Make Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin Potatoes?
- Scalloped potatoes are usually made with a creamy sauce, while au gratin potatoes have a layer of cheese or breadcrumbs on top that becomes golden and crispy during baking.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
4. Can I Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?
- Scalloped potatoes can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Allow the dish to cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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