Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

Scalloped potatoes are a timeless, creamy, baked dish that turns any meal into something truly special. With tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, this classic comfort food is perfect for everything from holiday dinners to everyday suppers. With thousands of 5-star reviews, this recipe is proven, tested, and loved by home cooks everywhere. Ready to create the perfect scalloped potatoes? Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so great, from essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips, and more.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Proven Success

Thousands of satisfied readers can’t be wrong! This recipe has been perfected over time to guarantee delicious results every single time.

Easy to Prepare

Using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is straightforward to make without any complicated steps or tools.

Homemade Flavor

When you make scalloped potatoes from scratch, you control the quality of ingredients, ensuring the flavor is rich, creamy, and made with love.

The Perfect Comfort Food

Scalloped potatoes are warm, hearty, and satisfyingly delicious – the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Understanding Scalloped Potatoes

If you’ve ever wondered about the origins and unique qualities of scalloped potatoes, here’s a quick breakdown:

• What Does “Scalloped” Mean? The term “scalloped” refers to the thin slicing method used for the potatoes.
• No Cheese Traditionally While some potato casseroles feature cheese, traditional scalloped potatoes do not. The creamy sauce is made with a roux of butter, flour, and milk.
• What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin? Au gratin potatoes include cheese, either in the sauce or sprinkled on top. Scalloped potatoes focus on the creamy, savory sauce alone.
• Want to Add Cheese? No problem! While traditional scalloped potatoes are cheese-free, you can easily add cheese to the sauce or between the layers for a cheesy twist. Check the recipe notes for guidance.

Ingredients You Need

To make the best scalloped potatoes, use high-quality ingredients that elevate flavor and texture. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Potatoes

• Recommended: Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They have thin skins, hold their shape well, and don’t require peeling.
• Alternative: Russet or Idaho potatoes can also work, but they are starchier and more prone to breaking apart. If using, peel them first.

Onions

• Use white or yellow onions. Sautéing them in butter adds a sweeter, more delicate flavor to the dish.

Sauce Base

• Butter & Flour: These form the roux, which thickens the creamy sauce.

Liquids

• Milk: For a velvety, smooth sauce.
• Broth: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle saltiness.

Seasonings

• Simple yet essential: salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Season each potato layer for the perfect bite.

Optional Additions

Want to customize this recipe to make it even more special? Here are some additions you can try:

• Cheese: Add up to 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère. Stir it into the sauce off-heat to prevent separation.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, or chives make beautiful garnishes and add a pop of fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Slice the Potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes to about ⅛-inch thickness. A mandoline makes this task fast and ensures even slices.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a low boil and simmer for 1 minute until it thickens.

4. Layer the Potatoes

1. Place a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared dish.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes.
4. Repeat the process, layering potatoes, seasoning, and sauce until all ingredients are used.

5. Bake

1. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

6. Rest

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Consistently: Ensure your potato slices are uniform for even cooking. Use a mandoline if you have one.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
• Avoid Boiling Cheese: If adding cheese, stir it into the sauce off the heat to prevent it from splitting.
• Cover and Uncover: Baking covered helps steam the potatoes initially, while uncovering them allows the dish to brown beautifully.
• Rest Before Serving: Give the dish time to cool slightly so the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Need to prepare ahead of time? Here’s how:

• Partial Baking: Bake the dish (covered) for 50-60 minutes. Let it cool completely and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
• Finishing: On the day of serving, bake uncovered until heated through and golden.

Freezing Instructions

Scalloped potatoes can be partially cooked and frozen for later use:

1. Bake the dish for about 25 minutes less than the recipe requires.
2. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Cover tightly and freeze.
4. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and finish baking, adding 20 minutes to the covered cooking time.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftover scalloped potatoes as breakfast potatoes with eggs or in a potato casserole.

Nutritional Information

While nutritional values vary, scalloped potatoes typically provide hearty calories, carbohydrates, and creamy comfort. These estimates are provided for reference only.

Final Thoughts

Scalloped potatoes are a versatile, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a festive holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or an everyday family supper, this recipe delivers in both flavor and ease. With step-by-step guidance and plenty of tips to guarantee success, you’re sure to wow your family and guests with the best scalloped potatoes they’ve ever tasted.

Looking to take it up a notch? Add cheese, herbs, or even a hint of garlic to make it your own! Now, it’s time to preheat that oven, grab those potatoes, and create a dish that will become a beloved staple on your table.