Golden, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy—Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of dish that steals the spotlight at any meal. Layered with tender potatoes, rich cream, and a blanket of melted cheese, this classic comfort food is both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re serving it up for a Sunday dinner, holiday gathering, or cozy weeknight meal, scalloped potatoes always deliver warmth and flavor in every bite.

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity and depth. The slow baking process lets the potatoes soak up all the creamy, garlicky goodness, while the top gets perfectly golden and slightly crisp. It’s the kind of dish where people go back for seconds, then scrape the sides of the dish for more. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or pair it with your favorite main course—this dish is a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and full of homey goodness.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
Easy to Make Ahead: It stores well and reheats beautifully.
Customizable: Add bacon, ham, or different cheeses to mix it up.
No Fancy Ingredients Needed: Just pantry staples and fresh potatoes!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the delicious layers, let’s set you up for success. Here’s what you need to prep and why each tool matters:

Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife: Essential for getting uniform, thin potato slices, which ensures even cooking and a creamy texture throughout.
Large Saucepan: To create your creamy base—a mix of butter, garlic, milk, and cream.
Whisk: For stirring your sauce without lumps.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A 9×13″ casserole dish works best for layering the potatoes and allowing even browning.
Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during baking to steam the potatoes before uncovering for a golden finish.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

With everything prepped and in place, you’re ready to build a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for the Scalloped Potatoes

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in building that classic flavor and texture:

Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes: The star of the show. Starchy potatoes provide the perfect balance of structure and creaminess.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps develop flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, savory aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the creamy sauce.
Whole Milk + Heavy Cream: These create the luxurious, velvety sauce that bathes each slice.
Salt & Pepper: To season the layers and balance the richness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce and provides a bold, cheesy finish.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or very sharp knife. Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

In your prepared baking dish, add a layer of sliced potatoes. Pour some of the cream sauce over the layer, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve and Store Scalloped Potatoes

Serving Tips:

Serve these scalloped potatoes hot from the oven alongside your favorite mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. They also shine at brunch buffets next to eggs, sausage, and greens. Garnish with fresh herbs for a little extra color and flavor.

Storing Instructions:

Refrigerate: Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture, or microwave individual servings.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Scalloped potatoes can even taste better the next day as the flavors deepen!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep scalloped potatoes from curdling?

Use a combination of milk and cream and pre-cook your sauce before baking. Avoid high heat, which can cause dairy to split.

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving or reheat fully baked leftovers.

What type of potato works best?

Yukon Golds give a buttery texture while Russets offer fluffier layers. Both are excellent choices depending on preference.

Can I add other cheeses?

Yes! Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked gouda blend well with cheddar and bring unique depth.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeling gives a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic look and extra nutrients, feel free to leave the skins on.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If these scalloped potatoes hit the spot, you might love these other hearty and flavorful recipes too:

Try this ultra-creamy Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe that comes together quickly for busy nights.
For a rustic bite, check out the Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions recipe.
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe is fluffy, buttery, and perfect for any meal.
Want something fresh and tangy? The Simple and Quick German Potato Salad brings a vinegary twist.
For a comforting one-dish wonder, don’t miss the Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.