Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Scalloped potatoes are a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe uses a rich cheese sauce to create tender layers of potatoes baked to golden perfection. You’ll love the warm and indulgent flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 3: Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Step 4: Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Repeat the layering with remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier bite.
- Swap sharp cheddar with Gruyère or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top before baking.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Storage
Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce without a breadcrumb topping, while au gratin potatoes typically include cheese and a breadcrumb crust for extra crunch on top.
PrintBest Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from whole milk, heavy cream, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. Enhanced with Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg, these scalloped potatoes are baked until golden, bubbly, and perfectly comforting—a classic side dish perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the layer. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Finally, top everything with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Golden & Bubbly: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, ensuring the potatoes are fully cooked and deliciously creamy.
- Rest, Garnish & Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to let the sauce thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes ensures creamy texture and good layering.
- Thinly slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- If desired, substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
- Make sure to whisk the cream sauce gradually to avoid lumps.
- Resting the dish before serving helps the sauce set and makes slicing easier.
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Comfort Food, Side Dish, Homemade
