Traditional Scalloped Potatoes

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Perfection 🥔🧀🔥

1. Introduction

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can compete with Traditional Scalloped Potatoes. This beloved recipe features layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce and crowned with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you need a hearty side dish that satisfies, this scalloped potatoes recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What makes this dish so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the slight bite of the potatoes against the velvety sauce, all brought together with that irresistible cheesy topping. Whether you’re serving it alongside our Classic Glazed Ham for Easter or pairing it with our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken for a weeknight meal, these scalloped potatoes elevate any menu.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to perfect scalloped potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes – Their natural buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for scalloped potatoes
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter – The base for our rich sauce
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the creamy sauce to perfection
• 2 cups whole milk – For that classic creamy consistency
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds luxurious richness to the dish
• 1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder – These pantry staples add depth of flavor
• 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that signature cheesy top layer
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness

For more delicious side dish ideas, check out our full collection of favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with any main course.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the potatoes to cook through without burning the cheese topping. Wash and peel the potatoes – though if you prefer, you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients. The key to perfect scalloped potatoes is uniform slicing; aim for 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer makes this quick work, but a sharp knife works too. Arrange the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping them in neat layers. This arrangement helps the potatoes cook evenly and creates those beautiful layers we all love.

If you’re looking for other great potato recipes, try our Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble for breakfast!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

The secret to the best scalloped potatoes lies in the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just bubbling. Whisk in the flour to create a roux – this mixture will thicken our sauce beautifully. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. This slow addition prevents lumps from forming. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, continuing to whisk as the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency (about 5 minutes). The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Cheese

Now comes the fun part – assembling your scalloped potatoes! Pour half of the creamy sauce over the first layer of potatoes, using a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure every slice gets coated. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese mixture over the sauce. The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Repeat the process with another layer of potatoes, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the cheese. This double layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

For more cheesy comfort food inspiration, browse our baking recipes collection.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil – this creates a steamy environment that helps the potatoes cook through without drying out. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil to allow the top to brown beautifully. Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving – this crucial step allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

4. Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

• Potato selection matters: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape well during baking while developing a creamy texture. Russets can also work but may become too soft.
• Consistent slicing is key: Using a mandoline slicer ensures all your potato slices are the same thickness, which means they’ll cook evenly. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the flour and butter mixture for a full minute or two eliminates any raw flour taste and helps create a stable sauce that won’t separate.
• Resting time is essential: Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much neater.
• Cheese variations: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or even a smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.

5. Variations to Try

While this traditional scalloped potatoes recipe is delicious as-is, there are countless ways to customize it:

• Protein-packed version: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or crumbled sausage between the potato layers for a heartier dish that could serve as a main course. This works especially well with our beef recipes collection.
• Herb-infused delight: Stir fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage into the sauce for an aromatic twist. About 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs works perfectly.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable additions: Layer in thinly sliced onions, mushrooms, or even spinach between the potato layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who like a little heat.

6. Serving Suggestions

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with numerous main dishes:

• For holiday meals, serve alongside our Classic Glazed Ham or roasted turkey
• Pair with roasted chicken or our favorite chicken recipes for a comforting weeknight dinner
• Serve with grilled steak or roasted beef for a special occasion meal
• For a vegetarian option, pair with roasted vegetables and our Marry Me Chicken Soup (without the chicken)
• Complete the meal with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad

7. Storage and Reheating

Leftover scalloped potatoes (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) store beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and improve after a day.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of milk if the potatoes seem dry. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (2-3 minutes, stirring halfway), but the oven method preserves the texture better.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble completely (through step 3), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
While similar, traditional scalloped potatoes are made with a creamy sauce (often without cheese in the layers), while au gratin potatoes always include cheese between the layers. Our recipe combines the best of both worlds with creamy sauce and plenty of cheese!

Can I use different types of potatoes?
While Yukon Golds are ideal, you can use russet potatoes (they’ll be fluffier) or red potatoes (they’ll hold their shape well). Adjust baking time as needed based on the potato variety.

How do I know when the scalloped potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges. The top should be golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly but the potatoes aren’t done, cover loosely with foil.

For more potato cooking tips, check out this excellent resource on scalloped potatoes from Spend With Pennies.

9. Conclusion

This Traditional Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. With its creamy texture, rich cheese topping, and satisfying layers of tender potatoes, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a special Sunday dinner, or just because you’re craving some cheesy goodness, this dish delivers every time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks to master, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, with all the possible variations we’ve shared, you can keep it interesting every time you make it.

For more comforting dinner ideas, don’t miss our dinner recipes collection, including favorites like our Cozy Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff.

We’d love to hear how your scalloped potatoes turn out! Share your photos, variations, and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite! 🎉🍽️

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