Introduction
Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast, this classic dish never fails to impress. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious cream sauce create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.
But what makes the perfect scalloped potatoes? Some argue it’s the balance of buttery softness and crispy golden edges, while others swear by using the right cheese and seasoning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof scalloped potatoes recipe, packed with pro tips, variations, and expert answers to frequently asked questions.
By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to create the best scalloped potatoes—whether you’re keeping it simple or adding a gourmet twist. Plus, we’ll break down common cooking mistakes, storage hacks, and secret techniques from top chefs like Michael Symon and Paula Deen to elevate your dish.
So, let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a potato lover’s paradise!
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather everything you need for perfectly baked scalloped potatoes. Having the right tools and ingredients on hand will make the process seamless and ensure a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and beautifully golden on top.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To create scalloped potatoes with the ideal texture, you’ll need:
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife – For evenly sliced potatoes that cook uniformly.
- Large saucepan – To prepare the creamy sauce.
- Whisk – Helps blend the sauce smoothly.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch) – Ensures the potatoes bake evenly.
- Aluminum foil – Prevents over-browning during baking.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The best potatoes for scalloped potatoes are starchy varieties, as they absorb the cream sauce well and create a velvety texture. Some great options include:
- Russet Potatoes – High in starch, yielding the creamiest texture.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Slightly waxy, offering a balance of creaminess and structure.
Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t absorb the sauce as well and may result in a watery texture.
Pro Tip: Soak potato slices in cold water for 10 minutes before layering to remove excess starch. This prevents the dish from becoming gummy.
For more delicious comfort food recipes, check out this Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe—a hearty dish packed with flavor!
Ingredients
The key to rich and flavorful scalloped potatoes lies in using high-quality ingredients that blend harmoniously. Below is everything you need to create a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked dish.
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold), thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted, for a rich base)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, for deep flavor)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for ultimate creaminess)
- 1 cup whole milk (helps balance the richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds subtle heat)
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional, to enhance the flavor)
- teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme)
Cheese Options (If Desired)
While traditional scalloped potatoes do not include cheese (unlike au gratin potatoes), adding cheese can enhance the dish. Consider:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar (bold flavor)
- ½ cup Parmesan (adds nuttiness)
- ½ cup Gruyère (melts beautifully)
Optional Additions for a Twist
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for smoky goodness)
- 1 cup diced ham (turns it into a full meal)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (for a subtle warm note)
If you love rich, saucy comfort food, try this Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe—a perfect pairing for your meal!
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to layer, bake, and transform those potatoes into a creamy masterpiece. Follow these simple steps to ensure your scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish will cook evenly and get that deliciously golden top. While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Carefully pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir constantly, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Overlap the slices slightly to ensure each piece absorbs the creamy sauce. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure they are evenly coated. Repeat this layering process until all the potatoes and sauce are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through and become tender. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re including cheese, sprinkle it on top of the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. This gives the cheese time to melt and form a delicious, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once the scalloped potatoes are finished, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and the potatoes to firm up, making it easier to serve.
Nutrition Score
Scalloped potatoes are a delicious comfort food, but like any rich dish, it’s important to understand its nutritional profile. Below is a general estimate of the nutrition breakdown for a single serving (based on 8 servings total for the recipe). Keep in mind that the exact nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 700mg
Healthier Variations
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, consider these substitutions:
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based milk (like oat milk) to reduce fat content.
- Use less butter or a butter substitute like olive oil.
- Reduce cheese or omit it for a lighter dish with less saturated fat.
Though scalloped potatoes are indulgent, they’re also packed with potassium from the potatoes and calcium from the dairy. For a lighter meal, pair them with a lean protein and a side of veggies!
Serving & Storage
Once your scalloped potatoes are perfectly baked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. This dish can be a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties, a side dish for holiday meals, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Here are some tips on how to serve, store, and reheat your scalloped potatoes.
How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes
- Serve warm: Scalloped potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the oven. The creamy sauce will be rich, and the top will be golden and slightly crispy.
- Pair with meats: These potatoes make an excellent side dish for beef, chicken, or pork. Consider pairing them with roast chicken, steak, or grilled pork chops.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Store Scalloped Potatoes
- In the fridge: Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze scalloped potatoes for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
How to Reheat
- In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- In the microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Variations
While traditional scalloped potatoes are delicious as they are, there are plenty of ways to personalize the recipe and add unique twists. From adding extra veggies to making it spicier, here are some fun variations to try.
1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For an extra indulgent touch, turn your scalloped potatoes into a cheesy masterpiece. Add cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan to the sauce and on top for a gooey, melty finish. A combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates a flavorful and slightly crunchy crust.
2. Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon or Ham
Bacon and ham are classic additions that complement the creamy potatoes perfectly.
- Crispy bacon: Fry bacon until crispy and crumble it over the top of the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Ham: Diced ham adds a savory depth to the dish, making it heartier.
3. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) and vegan butter. You can also use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to maintain that rich, cheesy flavor without the dairy.
4. Scalloped Potatoes with Veggies
Add a healthy twist by incorporating vegetables into the dish. Consider:
- Spinach or kale: Add greens between the layers of potatoes for extra vitamins and color.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and enhance the creamy texture of the potatoes.
5. Spicy Scalloped Potatoes
Add some heat to your scalloped potatoes with jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes. A dash of hot sauce in the cream sauce will elevate the dish with a spicy kick.
For more recipe variations, explore this Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe—perfectly balanced with savory sweetness!
FAQs
In this section, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about scalloped potatoes, from preparation tips to ingredient swaps. These tips will help you perfect your dish and answer any common concerns.
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin?
The key difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes is the use of cheese. While scalloped potatoes are traditionally made with cream, butter, and sometimes garlic or herbs (but no cheese), au gratin potatoes always contain cheese—usually cheddar or Gruyère—either in the sauce or sprinkled on top. Both dishes are creamy, but au gratin has a cheesy, golden crust.
What is the one trick Michael Symon used to make perfect scalloped potatoes?
Celebrity chef Michael Symon recommends pre-cooking the potatoes in the cream before baking. This step allows the potatoes to absorb the sauce and cook through evenly without overbaking, resulting in a more tender and creamy texture. It’s an excellent way to prevent the potatoes from drying out during the baking process.
Should you boil potatoes before making scalloped potatoes?
No, you do not need to boil the potatoes before making scalloped potatoes. The potatoes cook in the oven when layered with the creamy sauce. Pre-cooking the potatoes could make them too soft, resulting in a mushy texture. Simply slice them thinly and layer them in the dish.
How do you make Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes?
Paula Deen’s scalloped potatoes are known for their rich, creamy texture and bold flavor. Here’s how to make them:
- Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add heavy cream, milk, and seasoning.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes, cover with foil, and bake until tender.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake until golden.
For more great recipes, check out this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe—perfect for pairing with your scalloped potatoes!
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and versatile enough to pair with just about any main dish. With their satisfying texture and delicious flavor, they make the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you choose to stick with the classic version or explore some fun variations, this recipe is sure to impress.
By following the simple steps and tips shared in this post, you’ll be able to create the perfect scalloped potatoes every time. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, from adding cheese or bacon to making a lighter version with plant-based ingredients. Don’t forget to store any leftovers for easy meals throughout the week!