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Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

4.6 from 576 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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