Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This timeless Scalloped Potatoes recipe brings together thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden crust of melted cheese. The dish bakes to creamy perfection, making it an ideal side for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting classic. Serve this with roasted meats, a fresh salad, or even as a main dish alongside steamed vegetables for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Creamy and Cheesy: The homemade cheese sauce ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and a bit of cheese, this recipe is easy to make and always satisfying.
Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole-style dish is ideal for serving a crowd, pairing well with roasted meats, ham, or a hearty salad.

Key Ingredients:

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the best choices for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape well while baking. Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor, while Russets create a softer texture.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce a rich, tangy flavor that complements the potatoes. For an extra depth of flavor, you can mix in some Gruyère or even Parmesan.

Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a creamy sauce. For a richer dish, consider using half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream.

Butter and Flour: These form the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.

Green Onions: Optional, but green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne gives the sauce a slight heat that balances the creamy flavors, though it’s entirely optional.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help bake the potatoes evenly and achieve a golden, crispy top.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a golden color, which will help thicken the sauce.
Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste and, optionally, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Potatoes

Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly.
Add a second layer with the remaining potatoes, then pour the remaining cheese sauce on top, ensuring all slices are covered.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle ½ cup of extra grated cheese over the top. This layer will get crispy and golden as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through and absorb the cheese sauce.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy with bubbling edges.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the sauce set.
Garnish with sliced green onions (optional) before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with Protein: Scalloped potatoes are perfect alongside roasted chicken, ham, or beef for a hearty main dish.
Add a Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the creamy richness of the potatoes.
Complement with Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Scalloped potatoes can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Variations:

Add Bacon

For extra flavor, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers of potatoes before adding the cheese sauce.

Garlic-Infused

Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the roux for a garlicky twist. The garlic enhances the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.

Herb & Cheese

Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for an aromatic flavor. You can also mix in a blend of cheeses, such as Parmesan or Fontina, for added complexity.

Extra Creamy

For a richer, creamier sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. This creates an ultra-decadent version of scalloped potatoes.

Conclusion:

This Scalloped Potatoes recipe brings all the cozy, comforting flavors you want in a side dish. With layers of tender potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden crust, this casserole is a classic that’s always a hit. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you need a delicious side, this dish is easy to make and sure to please. Enjoy!