Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with any main course. This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish is easy to make and always turns out delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special holiday gathering, this never-fail scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make it easy to prepare.
- The rich and creamy texture ensures every bite is satisfying.
- A versatile side dish that complements a variety of meals.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite blend)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and set them aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish and pour half of the sauce over them.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 75-80 minutes
Variations
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers for extra flavor.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Mushroom: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
FAQs
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from curdling?
Use full-fat dairy products and avoid overheating the sauce before baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What are the best potatoes to use?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best as they hold their shape and create a creamy texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese is recommended as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
How do I get a crispy top?
Broil for the last few minutes of baking for a crispy, golden-brown top.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked ham, bacon, or ground sausage make great additions.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I serve with scalloped potatoes?
They pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
Conclusion
Never-fail scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. With their creamy, cheesy layers and rich flavor, they complement a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a special event, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a classic comfort dish that never disappoints!
Print
Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, flavorful sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to turn out perfect every time. It’s an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, ham, or steak!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 4 large) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Add the milk gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in the cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If using, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness.
- Assemble the dish: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden on top. If needed, broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use 2% milk and reduce the cheese.
- Try adding ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
- To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible (a mandoline slicer works great).
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