Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a velvety garlic cheese sauce, this dish is rich, hearty, and ideal for everything from holiday dinners to Sunday suppers. The best part? You only need simple ingredients like potatoes, cream, and cheese to create something unforgettable. Whether paired with ham, roast chicken, or enjoyed solo, scalloped potatoes never fail to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy cheddar cheese sauce
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for holidays or everyday meals
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
- Customizable with herbs, onions, or even ham
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2½ cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. - Prepare the potatoes
Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes. Slice thinly (⅛”–¼”) using a sharp knife or mandoline. Set aside. - Make the cheese sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more. - Thicken the sauce
Add flour and stir until a paste forms. Slowly pour in cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. - Season and melt cheese
Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese and stir until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat. - Layer the potatoes
In the baking dish, layer half the potato slices. Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and ½ cup cheese. - Bake covered
Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. - Bake uncovered
Remove foil, sprinkle final ½ cup of cheese on top, and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. - Cool and serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chives or parsley before serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~408 per serving
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 408
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 326mg
- Calcium: 372mg
- Iron: 5mg
Tips & Variations
- Add diced ham for a full meal in one dish
- Use Gruyère or white cheddar for a gourmet twist
- Make it gluten-free: Replace flour with cornstarch slurry
- Add a breadcrumb topping for crunch (like au gratin style)
- For extra flavor, sauté sliced leeks or shallots with the onion
FAQs
Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope. Unpeeled potatoes give a rustic texture and save prep time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 weeks.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer as directed in a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7–8 hours.
What do scalloped potatoes go with?
They’re excellent with ham, roast turkey, chicken, meatloaf, or even grilled steak.
Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
- – 9×13” baking dish
- Mandoline or sharp knife
- Whisk
- – Foil
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne optional
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9×13″ dish.
- Slice potatoes ⅛”–¼” thick.
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter. Stir in flour.
- Slowly add cream, then seasonings and 2 cups cheese.
- Layer potatoes, sauce, and cheese in dish. Repeat.
- Cover and bake 40 minutes.
- Uncover, top with cheese, bake 20–25 minutes.
- Cool slightly, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleasing classic that delivers comfort and elegance all in one bite. With their creamy garlic cheddar sauce and perfectly tender layers, they’ll be the first thing gone at your next gathering. Make a batch today, and let the oven do the hard work while you soak in the compliments.