Best Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish, known for their rich, creamy texture and layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender potatoes coated in a luscious cream sauce, often topped with melted cheese for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or a weeknight dinner, these Best Scalloped Potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish. The potatoes are layered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that turns golden and bubbly as it bakes. The result is a tender, savory dish with perfectly cooked potatoes and a decadent sauce. It’s a side dish that complements almost any meal and is sure to be a favorite at your table.

Ingredients: A Delicious Combination of Creamy and Cheesy

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best scalloped potatoes:

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced for the perfect texture.
Butter: 4 tablespoons for richness in the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons to thicken the cream sauce.
Milk: 2 cups for a creamy base.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup for extra richness (optional, but recommended).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for added flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar, shredded, for a cheesy topping (you can also use Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor).
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped, for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) for a subtle herb flavor (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Slice the Potatoes:

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer makes this step easy and ensures even slices, which is key to even cooking.

Make the Cream Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.

Layer the Potatoes and Sauce:

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and another 1/2 cup of cheese, saving the rest of the cheese for the topping.

Bake the Potatoes:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve:

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Variations and Tips

Extra Creamy: For an even richer dish, use all heavy cream instead of a combination of milk and cream.
Add Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon can be layered with the potatoes for an extra savory kick.
Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses can elevate the flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Simply assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses, including:

Roast Chicken: The creamy potatoes complement the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
Ham: Scalloped potatoes are a traditional pairing with baked ham, making this dish perfect for holiday meals.
Steak: The rich, cheesy potatoes balance the flavors of a juicy grilled steak.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Delicious Side Dish

These Best Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, their rich flavor and tender texture make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a classic side dish that’s always a hit. Enjoy!