The Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy, delectable scalloped potatoes have become my ultimate comfort food companion during chilly evenings.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, velvety cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Cheese and cream mingle beautifully, promising a side dish that steals the spotlight from any main course.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy edges and smooth, tender centers.

Buttery, golden-brown peaks promise a culinary experience that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical dance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients to Prepare Classic Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy, hearty potatoes create the creamy and comforting base of this classic dish.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that provides luxurious texture and deep flavor to the scalloped potatoes.
• Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese adds a delicious golden crust and tangy depth to the recipe.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory and robust background flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the potatoes.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that brings a subtle, earthy note to the creamy potato casserole.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top layer on the scalloped potatoes.
• Aluminum Foil: Protective covering that helps steam and cook the potatoes evenly during baking.

How to Make Creamy, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for potato magic.

Step 2: Create the First Potato Layer

Grab your greased baking dish and spread out a beautiful blanket of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Season the Layer

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Generous handful of shredded cheese

Step 5: Drench in Creamy Goodness

Slowly pour half of the heavy cream, allowing it to seep between potato slices.

Step 6: Build the Second Layer

• Remaining potato slices
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cheese
• Remaining cream

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

• Dot the top with small butter pieces
• Scatter fresh thyme leaves (if you're feeling fancy)

Step 8: Cover and Bake

Wrap the dish in aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 9: Crisp and Golden Finale

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes, then dive into your creamy potato paradise.

Tips to Get the Perfect Golden Top

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Create even layers of potatoes, onions, and cheese to distribute flavors and prevent any dry or undercooked spots in the casserole.
• If the dish looks too liquidy, remove the foil earlier to help excess moisture evaporate and achieve a crispy golden top.
• Try different cheese combinations like gruyère, cheddar, or parmesan to add depth and richness to the classic scalloped potatoes.
• Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to protect the top from burning while ensuring the potatoes cook thoroughly.

Variations to Switch Up Your Potatoes

• Smoky Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Crumble crispy bacon between potato layers for a savory, smoky flavor boost.
• Green Chile Cheese Potatoes: Mix diced green chiles into the cream and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a spicy southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Potato Bake: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary, parsley, and chives for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Gruyère Mushroom Potatoes: Sauté sliced mushrooms and use nutty Gruyère cheese instead of standard cheese for a rich, earthy profile.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve Alongside

• Pair Perfectly with Robust Red Wines: Choose bold, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complement the creamy, rich texture of scalloped potatoes and cut through their heaviness.
• Protein Companions: Serve alongside roasted or grilled meats such as honey-glazed ham, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, or roasted chicken to create a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the potato dish's creamy goodness.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Add a crisp, light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the potatoes' richness, bringing brightness and acidity that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.

Best Storage Practices for Scalloped Potatoes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the potatoes cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steaming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place potatoes in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?

Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray before layering the ingredients. This helps create a non-stick surface and makes serving easier.

• Can I prepare scalloped potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

The Best Scalloped Potatoes Everyone Will Love

• Savor Comfort Cooking: A hearty dish that wraps you in warmth and deliciousness, perfect for satisfying hunger and bringing smiles to the table.
• Master Simple Layering: No complicated techniques required – just stack ingredients in a baking dish, creating a stunning result that looks like you spent hours preparing.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a creamy, cheesy potato side dish that disappears quickly.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra herbs and spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe flexible and adaptable for different palates.

The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Scalloped Potatoes elevate comfort food to new heights with layers of tender potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheese. Rich flavors and golden edges promise a memorable side dish you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyere)
• 2 cups heavy cream

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Create the first foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, arranging them evenly and overlapping slightly.
3. Distribute half of the thinly sliced onions and finely minced garlic uniformly over the potato layer.
4. Season the initial layer generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
5. Sprinkle a rich layer of shredded cheese, covering the potato and onion surface completely.
6. Slowly drizzle half of the luxurious heavy cream across the entire layer, ensuring even moisture distribution.
7. Carefully construct a second identical layer using remaining potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese.
8. Pour the remaining cream over the second layer, creating a rich and creamy texture.
9. Delicately dot the surface with small butter pieces to promote golden browning and added richness.
10. Optional: Scatter fresh thyme leaves across the top for aromatic complexity.
11. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
12. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld.
13. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and develops a crispy, bubbling crust.
14. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling the cream to set and flavors to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, consistent potato slices for perfect layering and melting.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or aged cheddar to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable broth instead of cream and adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 498 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg