Let me tell you, Best Scalloped Potatoes are everything you want in a cozy, comfort food dish—rich, creamy, cheesy, and totally indulgent. They’re the perfect side dish to any meal, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or just a weeknight treat. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes soaking in a velvety sauce that’s bubbling with cheesy goodness? It’s downright irresistible.
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What makes these scalloped potatoes the best? It’s all about that dreamy, cheesy sauce that oozes between every slice of potato, creating a perfect bite every time. It’s a dish that screams “soul food,” and trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love Best Scalloped Potatoes
This recipe isn’t just about making a side dish—it’s about elevating your meal to the next level. Whether you’re looking for something to serve at a dinner party or just want to make a comforting weeknight meal, these scalloped potatoes will steal the show. Here’s why they’re a crowd favorite:
Versatile: They go with anything. From roast chicken to steak to pork chops, these potatoes are the perfect sidekick to almost any main dish. And trust me, everyone will want seconds.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients for this dish. Just some basic pantry staples and a little bit of love go a long way in creating something truly amazing.
Quick and Easy: While it might seem like a dish for special occasions, these potatoes are surprisingly easy to make. No need for complex steps—just layer, pour, bake, and let the oven work its magic.
Customizable: If you’re a fan of garlic, throw some in. Want a cheesy kick? Add extra cheese! You can make these potatoes your own, and they’ll still turn out delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: These potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone—kids, adults, picky eaters, and food lovers alike. It’s the kind of dish that gets devoured in minutes, and there’s never enough.
Ingredients in Best Scalloped Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need for these creamy, cheesy potatoes. They come together with just a handful of ingredients, but the result is something magical:
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the way to go. They have the perfect balance of starchiness that makes the sauce creamy and the potatoes tender.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the scalloped potatoes their rich, velvety texture. It’s creamy, luxurious, and absolutely irresistible.
Milk: You’ll want to use whole milk to help create a smooth and balanced sauce. It complements the richness of the cream and keeps everything from being too heavy.
Cheddar Cheese: The classic choice for scalloped potatoes. It adds that sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce, helping it become smooth and luscious.
Flour: For thickening the sauce and giving it that perfect, creamy consistency.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an extra depth of flavor, making the potatoes even more savory.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and savoriness to the dish, blending beautifully with the garlic.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, but don’t be shy with the salt. It really brings out the flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now that you know what goes into these potatoes, let’s dive into the steps to make them:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the potatoes bake evenly and become beautifully golden on top.
Prepare Your Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice your potatoes using a mandolin or sharp knife. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices so they cook evenly.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring the potatoes are well-covered. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Cool Slightly: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish out a hearty portion of these cheesy, creamy potatoes. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with:
Roast Chicken: A classic pairing. The creamy potatoes complement the savory, juicy chicken perfectly.
Steak or Pork Chops: The richness of these potatoes is a great balance for a hearty meat dish.
Green Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can slice the potatoes and make the sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready.
Make It Extra Cheesy: Feel free to add extra cheese between the layers or top the potatoes with more cheese before baking for an even cheesier finish.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need to make these gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that creamy texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you’re serving a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: Russet potatoes are ideal for this dish, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes a day ahead and bake them just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze these potatoes?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q5: Can I add bacon to this recipe?
A5: Yes! Crumbled bacon adds a nice crunch and smoky flavor. Add it between the layers of potatoes for an extra savory twist.
Q6: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
A6: Make sure to cook the sauce over low heat and whisk constantly to keep the dairy from separating.
Q7: Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
A7: While you can use skim milk, the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy. For the best texture, whole milk is recommended.
Q8: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A8: The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden brown.
Q9: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Yes, this dish is already vegetarian! Just ensure that the cheese you use is rennet-free if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Q10: Can I add garlic to the sauce?
A10: Absolutely! Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Sauté it with the onions for a fragrant base.
Conclusion
These Best Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or making them just because, they’re sure to be a hit. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a crowd favorite that everyone will rave about. Enjoy!
Print
Best Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and topped with gooey melted cheese. With layers of tender potatoes and onions, they make the perfect comfort food for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Potatoes:
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 2 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering them (potato, onion, potato, onion).
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in flour and salt, whisking constantly for one minute. Stir in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in cheese and continue to stir until melted and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions, covering the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- If you want a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil and broil until golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg