If you’ve ever craved the ultimate comfort food that warmly hugs your taste buds, this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is a timeless classic that elevates any meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s irresistibly delicious and satisfying every single time.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the luscious flavor and silky texture that define a perfect scalloped potatoes dish. From the creamy butter and aromatic onions to the subtle seasoning, every element enhances this classic recipe.

¼ cup butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce, adding creaminess and depth.
1 large onion, diced: Offers a sweet, tender flavor that balances the potatoes.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant warmth without overpowering the dish.
¼ cup flour: Essential for thickening the sauce, giving it that perfect silky consistency.
2 cups milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Brings a subtle savory note that enriches the overall taste.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the sauce just right.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance.
3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick: The star of the dish, tender and perfectly cooked in layers.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the potato layers to bring everything together.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by warming your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures that your scalloped potatoes bake evenly, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the sauce to thicken beautifully without any rushing or burning.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce

Gently melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes. This subtle sweetness and aroma lay the perfect flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Thicken Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux, which will thicken your sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously over low heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring it just to a boil and let it bubble for a minute before seasoning with salt and pepper. This creamy sauce is the soul of the Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, enveloping each potato slice in velvety richness.

Step 4: Assemble Layers

Take a 9″x13″ baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Lay down a third of the potato slices, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Pour a third of the luscious sauce over the potatoes. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the sauce on top. This layering ensures every bite delivers that signature creamy texture and potato tenderness.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your assembled dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 35 to 45 minutes. The potatoes will become buttery soft, and the top will turn a beautiful golden color. If you crave a crispy top layer, switch your oven to broil for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t brown too much.

Step 6: Rest

Once baked, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly, making your slices perfect and less likely to fall apart when scooped.

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

While the creamy layers shine on their own, simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor of your scalloped potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceousness that contrasts beautifully with the richness.

Side Dishes

This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Think roast chicken, tender grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. A crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables provide a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit fancy, try serving the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant single-portion touch. Layering with a bit of grated cheese or fresh herbs on top before broiling creates an irresistibly crispy and flavorful crust that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scalloped potatoes can be beautifully reheated and enjoyed the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it an even more comforting dish the next time you enjoy it.

Freezing

You can freeze this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for up to 1 month. To do so, let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and a plastic wrap layer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last few minutes of reheating. Avoid microwaving if you prefer to keep the creamy texture intact without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white potatoes work best for their creamy texture, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes can be used. Just keep in mind, waxy potatoes will hold their shape more, while starchy potatoes will create a creamier dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and your scalloped potatoes will remain just as flavorful and comforting without any meat products.

Can I add cheese to my scalloped potatoes?

Adding cheese, like sharp cheddar or Gruyère, can make the dish even richer and more indulgent. Mix it into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking for a luscious cheese crust.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Slicing the potatoes about ⅛ inch thick is ideal. Thin enough to cook through during baking but thick enough to maintain some texture and avoid turning mushy.

Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?

Yes, assembling the dish a day ahead and storing it covered in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, offering creamy, dreamy comfort in every forkful. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you need a cozy side that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes one of your timeless favorites too.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.2 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Classic Scalloped Potatoes featuring thinly sliced white potatoes baked in a creamy, savory sauce made from butter, sautéed onions, garlic, flour, milk, and chicken broth, seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. This comforting casserole is baked until tender and golden with an optional crispy top, ideal as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

¼ cup butter
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Potatoes

3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Bring it to a boil, then cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom, season with salt and pepper, and pour one-third of the prepared sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the sauce on top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. For an extra crispy top, optionally broil for 3-4 minutes.
Rest: Remove from oven and let the scalloped potatoes rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up.