Introduction
When you think of comfort food, scalloped potatoes instantly come to mind. There’s something timeless about the creamy layers of thin potatoes baked in a rich sauce. It’s a dish that works year-round—just as perfect for Easter as it is for Christmas, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes gourmet without a complicated process.
What Are Scalloped Potatoes
Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a simple cream sauce. The term “scalloped” comes from the Old English word collop, meaning thin slices of meat or food.
The main difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin is the cheese topping. Classic scalloped potatoes are cream-based, while au gratin recipes almost always include a cheesy topping and sometimes breadcrumbs for crunch.
This recipe is a little hybrid—it keeps the creamy scalloped base but adds a generous cheesy layer for flavor.
Key Ingredients Explained
Best Potatoes to Use Yukon Gold vs Russet
- Yukon Gold: Creamy, slightly buttery, and hold their shape well. Great if you want a rich, velvety dish.
- Russet Potatoes: Starchier, which makes the sauce thicker but the slices may break apart more easily.
tip: Use a mix of both for the perfect balance.
Why Butter and Flour Matter
These two ingredients make the roux, a simple base that thickens your sauce. Without it, your dish could turn out watery.
Milk vs Cream Choosing the Right Base
- Whole milk = lighter texture
- Half-and-half = rich but not too heavy
- Heavy cream = ultra creamy (best for holidays or when you want indulgence)
Best Cheeses for Flavor and Melt
- Gruyère: Melts beautifully, adds nutty flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar: Bold, classic taste.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty bite.
- Mozzarella: Melty but mild, best in combination.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mandoline slicer (for even potato slices)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large saucepan (to make sauce)
- Whisk (to avoid lumps in sauce)
- Foil (to cover while baking)
Step by Step Instructions
Prepping Potatoes the Right Way
- Peel (optional) and slice potatoes about ⅛ inch thick.
- Keep them in cold water until ready to use to avoid browning.
Making the Perfect Cream Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour, whisk until golden (about 2 minutes).
- Slowly whisk in warm milk/cream mixture.
- Add garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until sauce thickens.
- Mix in half the cheese until melted.
Layering for Even Cooking
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
- Add one layer of potato slices.
- Pour sauce over potatoes.
- Repeat until dish is full.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
How to Prevent Runny Sauce
- Always thicken the sauce before layering.
- Avoid using raw milk—it doesn’t thicken as well.
Keeping Potatoes from Browning While Prepping
- Keep sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water.
- Pat dry before layering.
How to Get a Crispy Top Layer
- Use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for the last 25–30 minutes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Slicing potatoes too thick → They won’t cook evenly.
Not thickening the sauce → Leads to watery results.
Using low-fat milk only → Sauce won’t be creamy enough.
Skipping the rest time → Dish may fall apart when cut.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Classic Cream-Only Version – Skip cheese for a traditional dish.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin Style) – Add extra cheddar and a breadcrumb topping.
- Scalloped Potatoes with Ham – Layer ham slices in between for a hearty main.
- Garlic and Herb Infusion – Add rosemary, thyme, or chives for freshness.
- Sweet Potato Variation – Sub sweet potatoes for a fall twist.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Pairings
- Roast turkey, ham, or beef.
Everyday Dinner Ideas
- Baked salmon with green beans.
- Roast chicken with salad.
Turning It into a Main Dish
- Add diced ham, bacon, or cooked sausage for a full one-pan meal.
Make Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer: Bake, cool, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.
- Microwave for quick reheating (but sauce may separate slightly).
Nutritional Breakdown per serving approximate
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 10g
(Varies depending on cheese and cream used.)
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped = cream sauce, au gratin = cheese and often breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but block cheese melts better (pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents).
Q: Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes—use almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan cheese.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer everything in the slow cooker and cook on low 6–7 hours.
Cooking Science Behind Scalloped Potatoes
- Starch release from potatoes thickens the sauce as it bakes.
- Roux stabilizes the cream, so it doesn’t separate.
- Cheese melting point determines creaminess vs crispiness—mixing cheeses helps balance both.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
- Key Ingredients Explained
- Best Potatoes to Use (Yukon Gold vs Russet)
- Why Butter and Flour Matter
- Milk vs Cream: Choosing the Right Base
- Best Cheeses for Flavor and Melt
- Equipment You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepping Potatoes the Right Way
- Making the Perfect Cream Sauce
- Layering for Even Cooking
- Baking to Golden Perfection
- Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- How to Prevent Runny Sauce
- Keeping Potatoes from Browning While Prepping
- How to Get a Crispy Top Layer
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Flavor Variations to Try
- Classic Cream-Only Version
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin Style)
- Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- Garlic and Herb Infusion
- Sweet Potato Variation
- Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Pairings (Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef)
- Everyday Dinner Ideas (Chicken, Salmon, Veggies)
- Turning It into a Main Dish
- Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Nutritional Breakdown (Optional)
- FAQs
- Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin
- Can You Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?
- Can This Be Made Dairy-Free?
- Can I Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
- Cooking Science Behind Scalloped Potatoes
- Conclusion
Conclusion
This Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Recipe brings together creamy sauce, tender layers, and a golden cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holidays. With a few smart tips, you’ll always get a dish that looks beautiful, tastes rich, and makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.