The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Creamy scalloped potatoes bring comfort to any dinner table with layers of tender slices melting into a rich, cheesy embrace.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic side dish through careful technique and love.

Potato enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate balance between crisp edges and soft, velvety centers.

Cheese creates a golden blanket that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of textures that dance across your palate.

Crisp breadcrumbs scattered on top add a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth potato layers.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can become an unforgettable culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why Scalloped Potatoes Are Always A Hit

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a rich, velvety potato dish that delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with its luxurious cheese sauce and tender potato layers.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding bacon bits, experimenting with different cheese varieties, or incorporating herbs to match your taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you want to impress guests with a classic side dish that everyone will love and request again.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels while delivering maximum deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.

What You Need For Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the scalloped potatoes.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• Milk: Adds liquid and creaminess to the sauce, creating a smooth texture.

• Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth and seasoning.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.

How To Layer Up Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Roux

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like a pro until the mixture turns a warm golden color.

Step 3: Create a Silky Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 4: Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: First Potato Layer

Arrange a gorgeous layer of potato slices in the baking dish.

Pour half of the decadent cheese sauce over them, making sure every slice gets some love.

Step 6: Create the Final Layer

Add the remaining potato slices on top.

Drench the second layer with the rest of the cheese sauce, ensuring total potato coverage.

Step 7: Cheese Topping Finale

Sprinkle an extra handful of grated cheese across the top for a golden, crispy crown.

Step 8: First Baking Session

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, letting the potatoes become tender and delicious.

Step 9: Crisp and Brown

Remove the foil and return to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

Let the dish cool for a few minutes. For an extra pop of flavor, scatter some sliced green onions on top before serving.

Tips For The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Ever

• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best results.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent layers in the dish.
• Rinse sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy consistency.
• Create a richer sauce by using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk for more decadent flavor.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or fontina for a more complex and elevated taste profile.

Fun Spins On Scalloped Potato Casseroles

• Rustic Herb Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped garlic to the cheese sauce for an aromatic herbal version.
• Smoky Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Crisp and crumble bacon between potato layers, adding a rich and savory flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Potatoes: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for a kick.
• Loaded Vegetable Scalloped Potatoes: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions between potato layers for extra nutrition and depth.

Tasty Pairings For Scalloped Potato Plates

• Pair Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the creamy, cheesy potato dish. Its robust tannins will cut through the richness and enhance the meal's flavor profile.
• Create Protein Balance: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or slow-cooked beef tenderloin. These meats provide a savory protein that matches the potatoes' creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate cheese sauce.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, rich scalloped potatoes. Mixed greens with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing will cleanse the palate between bites and add nutritional balance.

Keep Those Scalloped Potatoes Creamy Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.
• Microwave: Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Scalloped Potato FAQs You’ll Love

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when baked.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I prevent my potatoes from being too watery?

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the potato slices dry with a paper towel before layering to remove excess moisture.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy scalloped potatoes promise comfort and delight in every forkful of this classic side dish. Layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and velvety sauce will make your dinner guests crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄2 cup (120 milliliters) grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere) for topping

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sliced green onions (optional)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in flour until the mixture turns a delicate golden hue, releasing a nutty aroma.
3. Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety base sauce.
4. Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, stirring frequently to maintain a consistent texture.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky.
6. Arrange a uniform layer of thinly sliced potatoes along the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
7. Drizzle half of the luxurious cheese sauce over the potato layer, allowing it to seep between the potato slices.
8. Create a second layer of potatoes, then pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly across the surface.
9. Generously sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top, creating a promising golden crust.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, trapping moisture and ensuring tender potatoes.
11. Uncover the dish and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a crispy, bronzed masterpiece.
12. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes, letting the sauce settle and flavors meld, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most tender results.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy consistency in the final dish.
• Create a lactose-free version by substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk and using vegan cheese alternatives.
• Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set and make serving easier.
• Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by adding cheese off the heat and stirring gently until smooth.
• Enhance flavor by adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg