Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

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Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy — these Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings a rich, velvety texture and deep savory flavor to any meal. With thin layers of tender potatoes bathed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce and topped with a perfectly golden cheese crust, this classic recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. Whether served alongside a holiday roast or enjoyed as a cozy weeknight indulgence, it never fails to impress.

This dish has a rustic charm that’s both hearty and elegant. The buttery layers, melting into one another under a blanket of cheese and herbs, feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when you want to create something memorable without making things complicated. Just slice, simmer, bake — and let your kitchen fill with the delicious aroma of potatoes and cheese mingling into baked perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• Ultra creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
• Made with simple ingredients you already have
• Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners
• Easily customizable with herbs, cheeses, or add-ins like ham
• Can be made ahead and reheated perfectly

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start layering those delicious potatoes, it’s essential to prep your kitchen with the right tools. You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer — this is critical for cutting the potatoes thinly and evenly, which ensures they cook at the same rate and achieve that classic tender texture.

A large saucepan is necessary for preparing the cream sauce. Choose one with a heavy bottom to prevent the sauce from scorching. You’ll also need a whisk to combine the ingredients smoothly and evenly.

For baking, use a ceramic or glass 9×13-inch baking dish. These materials distribute heat evenly, helping the potatoes cook through without burning the edges. And finally, don’t forget a foil cover for part of the baking process, which helps steam the potatoes before the final browning.

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Preparation Tips

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for best results — they break down slightly and create a natural thickness in the creamy sauce. Always slice your potatoes to 1/8-inch thickness; a mandoline ensures consistency and saves time. Let the cream mixture simmer before pouring over the potatoes, as this starts the cooking process and infuses it with flavor. Layer evenly, and make sure each slice gets coated with the sauce. Don’t rush the baking time — it’s what transforms those raw slices into tender, golden perfection. Finally, allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This sets the layers and makes slicing easier.

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Ingredients for This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• 2.5 lbs (about 5 medium) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend with Gruyere for extra flavor)
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Use a mandoline or a sharp chef’s knife to slice potatoes into even 1/8-inch rounds. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning and to remove excess starch, which helps with texture.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk and cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and pat dry with paper towels. Layer 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour 1/3 of the cream sauce evenly over them, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat this process two more times, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften without over-browning.

Step 7: Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and a knife slides easily through the potatoes.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice.

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Notes

For a deeper flavor profile, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella along with cheddar. You can also infuse your cream sauce with fresh rosemary or thyme while it simmers for an herbal touch. If you’re serving this for a crowd or a special occasion, it’s a great dish to prepare a day in advance. Reheat it gently in the oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting potatoes too thick or unevenly: This leads to uneven cooking, with some slices undercooked.
• Skipping the roux: If you don’t build a roux, your sauce may turn runny and won’t coat the potatoes well.
• Not seasoning enough: Potatoes absorb seasoning; taste your cream sauce before layering to ensure it’s flavorful.
• Baking uncovered too early: This causes the top to overcook or burn before the potatoes are tender.
• Not resting after baking: Slicing immediately can lead to a soupy mess. Let it rest so it firms up.

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Storage Instructions

Let leftover scalloped potatoes cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. For freezing, tightly wrap the entire dish (unbaked or baked and cooled), and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 8g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and bake the dish fully, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely. Bake first, cool completely, then freeze tightly wrapped. Thaw before reheating.

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin?

Scalloped potatoes use a creamy sauce, while au gratin usually includes cheese in every layer and often breadcrumbs on top.

Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?

This usually happens if the sauce wasn’t thickened properly or the potatoes were too watery. Letting them rest post-baking helps.

Can I use milk only instead of cream?

Yes, but the result will be less rich. Whole milk works best for maintaining some creaminess.

Which potatoes are best for this recipe?

Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal. They’re starchy enough to help thicken the sauce and become tender when baked.

Can I add meat to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Cubed ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken can be layered in with the potatoes.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden and bubbly, and a knife should easily pierce the potatoes without resistance.

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Conclusion

The Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes are more than just a side dish — they’re a comforting, crowd-pleasing centerpiece of any table. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this dish offers incredible flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Mastering this recipe means you’ll always have a go-to favorite that looks impressive and tastes even better. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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