If you’re searching for the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, you’re in the perfect spot! These scalloped potatoes come out deeply creamy, bubbling with layers of tender potatoes coated in a velvety cheese sauce and topped with a perfectly golden crust. They’re the kind of comforting side dish that disappears at family dinners and special occasions, but luckily, they’re easy enough to whip up anytime you’re craving a little comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how a handful of humble ingredients transforms into something unforgettable. Each component plays a starring role: potatoes become meltingly soft, the cheeses turn luscious, and a sprinkle of pantry spices brings everything to life.
- Yukon gold or russet potatoes: Choose these for their tender, creamy texture once baked; slice them thinly and evenly for the best layers.
- Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create the base of the silky sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency so it hugs every slice of potato.
- Whole milk: Adds creamy body to the sauce without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Boosts richness for that extra luscious mouthfeel you want in scalloped potatoes.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes and balances all the dairy.
- Black pepper: A hint of subtle heat—freshly cracked is best!
- Garlic powder: Gives a mild garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds sweet-savory depth to the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty kick that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection and creates that irresistible golden top.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that wakes up the whole dish.
How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting the stage: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and those crispy edges form with ease. This simple prep is a small detail that leads to big rewards—trust me, you’ll want every cheesy bit to glide right out!
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling quietly, then whisk in the flour. Let them cook together for a minute or two; this forms a roux, which thickens your sauce without any lumps. Slowly add in the whole milk and cream, whisking constantly. In just about three to four minutes, you’ll see the mixture transform into a silky, slightly thickened base. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook until the cheese melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Arrange half of your sliced potatoes in a neat, even layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Pour over half of your cheese sauce to blanket those potatoes in creamy goodness. Then, repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce. This step creates that sought-after layering that makes every scoop gorgeously rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Topping
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. You’ll thank yourself for not skimping here—the cheddar bakes into a bubbling, burnished top that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, letting the potatoes soften and the flavors meld together in a warm embrace. Remove the foil and continue baking another 25 to 30 minutes. The sauce will bubble up and the cheese will turn a glorious golden brown. Don’t rush: this indulgent wait is absolutely worth it! Take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes—this makes slicing and serving the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe so much easier.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. If you love a pop of flavor, add a light grate of fresh black pepper or even a handful of sliced green onions just before serving. These final touches bring brightness to every bite.
Side Dishes
The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a crisp green salad. For a cozy winter meal, try them alongside braised short ribs or a veggie roast. The creamy potatoes are a natural match for anything flavorful and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or holiday gatherings, consider baking individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant twist. Or, layer sliced cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the potatoes before baking for an extra-special version that will wow your guests. The magic of this recipe is how easily it adapts to your favorite ingredients and presentation styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any remaining potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making each bite even more mouthwatering the next day.
Freezing
If you need to prepare in advance, you can freeze portions of the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe once they’ve cooled completely. Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, arrange them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbling—about 20–25 minutes. For extra crispiness, uncover for the last five minutes. A microwave is convenient for single servings, but oven reheating keeps that glorious cheesy top intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Yukon gold and russet potatoes offer the best creamy result, red potatoes will work—they’ll hold their shape a bit more but still taste fantastic. The key is slicing them thinly and evenly for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour when making the roux. Everything else in the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to compromise on flavor or texture.
How can I tell when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes should be fork-tender when done; you can easily slide a knife through the center with no resistance. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last stretch of baking.
Can I add other cheeses or mix-ins?
Definitely! Swap in Gruyère or Swiss for a nutty twist, or layer in sautéed onions, cooked bacon, or even chopped fresh herbs. The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is wonderfully versatile and welcomes upgrades to suit your crowd.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the scalloped potatoes (without baking), cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven—adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about bubbling, cheesy scalloped potatoes, and this truly is the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for gathering everyone around the table. Whether for holidays or an everyday treat, your friends and family are sure to savor every creamy bite. Give it a try—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this classic comfort dish!
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Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Best Scalloped Potatoes that make the perfect side dish for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan. Cook until creamy.
- Layer potatoes: Arrange half of the potatoes in the dish, pour half of the sauce, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Add cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Rest and serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or cooked bacon between the potato layers.
- You can prepare the dish a day ahead and bake it just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
