Description
The Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring tender slices of potatoes baked in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Ready in under an hour using simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for quick dinners or special occasions. This versatile dish pairs well with meats, vegetables, or can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 to 5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Slice the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them evenly to about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking and optimal sauce absorption.
- Make the Creamy Sauce Base: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until melted and smooth. If using onions, add thinly sliced onions to the sauce and cook until softened.
- Layer the Dish: Butter a baking dish thoroughly. Arrange a single layer of potato slices evenly in the dish. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes outside the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Season the sauce well with salt to enhance the potatoes’ natural sweetness and overall flavor.
- Opt for freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
- Including heavy cream adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Butter the baking dish thoroughly to prevent potatoes from sticking and add flavor.
- For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make vegan, replace butter with plant-based margarine, milk with dairy-free milk, and cheese with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, cheese potatoes, comfort food, side dish, holiday side, vegetarian, gluten-free