Creamy Dream: The Most Addictive Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with a perfectly crispy golden exterior have been a comfort food staple for generations.

These delectable potato layers bake into a mouthwatering dish that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Each slice reveals tender potatoes nestled between rich, velvety cheese and a perfectly crisp golden top.

The combination of sharp cheddar and smooth cream creates a luxurious texture that makes this recipe irresistible.

Thinly sliced potatoes absorb the decadent sauce, developing deep flavors during slow baking.

Salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic elevate this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to wow your dinner guests with this ultimate crowd-pleasing potato masterpiece that promises pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
• Milk: Provides the liquid foundation for a silky, luxurious cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce's velvety texture and deepens the flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy punch and creates a golden, melty topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty complexity to the dish's overall taste.

• Potatoes: The star ingredient that creates the classic layered, comforting texture.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the flavors of all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and gentle heat to the dish.
• Nutmeg: Provides a delicate, aromatic background note that complements the creamy sauce.

• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, consistent cream sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor that deepens the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Tools You’ll Use For Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking potatoes.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating creamy, smooth cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Critical for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing potatoes evenly and thinly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for potato preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering dish during initial baking stage.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheese.

Easy Steps For Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Craft a Creamy Magic Sauce

Melt butter in a pan, dance in some garlic until it whispers its aroma. Sprinkle flour and stir like you mean it. Pour milk slowly, whisking away any rebellious lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Let the sauce thicken and welcome melted cheese.

• Layer Your Potato Landscape

Create a delicious potato canvas by spreading alternating layers of sliced potatoes and your dreamy sauce. Shower each layer with Parmesan and cheddar like you’re blessing a culinary masterpiece.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Wrap your dish in foil and slide into the oven. After 45 minutes, unveil the potential and let it brown for another 25 minutes. The top should look like a golden sunset.

• Serve with Love

Let your creation rest and settle for 10 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Serve while it’s hot and watch faces light up with joy.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Tips And Ideas

• Potato Perfection Tricks: Learn how to make your scalloped potatoes extraordinary!
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to bake, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Potato Precision: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture. Slice them uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk and cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that's equally delicious.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra depth. Crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions can transform the classic recipe into a gourmet side dish.
• Veggie Twist: Incorporate thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or spinach between potato layers for added nutrition and color. This trick makes the dish more complex and interesting for vegetable lovers.

How To Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Comfort Food Companions: Classic Meat Pairings
• Roasted chicken or tender pot roast complements the creamy potato dish perfectly, creating a hearty main course that feels like a warm family dinner.
• Savory Protein Boost: Herb-crusted pork chops
• Deliciously grilled or pan-seared pork chops seasoned with rosemary and thyme offer a delectable protein partner that matches the potatoes' rich flavor profile.
• Veggie Balance: Fresh Green Salad
• A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy scalloped potatoes, balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Chardonnay Selection
• A medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes beautifully enhances the creamy texture and cheesy undertones of the scalloped potatoes, elevating the entire dining experience.

Storing And Prepping Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap cooled scalloped potatoes in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes before cooking. Create individual servings that can be frozen separately, making meal prep and future dining incredibly convenient.

Crispy Golden Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy scalloped potatoes delight potato enthusiasts with layers of cheesy goodness. Rich comfort from French-inspired cooking brings warmth to classic potato side dishes you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, cooking until sauce thickens slightly.
3. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat and fold in cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
4. Layering Technique: Arrange potato slices in alternating layers with cream sauce, sprinkling Parmesan between each layer. Ensure even distribution and complete coverage of potatoes.
5. Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, and continue baking until surface turns golden and crispy.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Select Potato Thickness: Slice potatoes uniformly (1/8 inch thick) for even cooking and consistent texture, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Prevent Potato Browning: Submerge sliced potatoes in cold water immediately after cutting to remove excess starch and maintain pristine white appearance.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux continuously and add liquid gradually to avoid lumps, ensuring silky smooth sauce that coats potatoes perfectly without separation.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider infusing sauce with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or experiment with cheese combinations like Gruyère for more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 571 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg