If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort classic that brings creamy, cheesy joy to every forkful, you have to try this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. With thin, buttery layers of potatoes tucked under a luscious cheese sauce and baked until perfectly golden, this side dish is pure nostalgia in a casserole dish. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday, a weekend gathering, or just a cozy family dinner, every bite will remind you why this timeless favorite never goes out of style.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, letting each ingredient shine in its own right. Every item brings a special role to the table—think of creamy richness, hearty texture, and irresistible flavor all mingling together in each mouthwatering layer.

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 lbs, peeled and thinly sliced): These provide the trusty, soft structure of every scoop and turn silky as they bake.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds that essential creamy base for sautéing our aromatics and building flavor into the sauce.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce—you’ll definitely notice if it’s missing!
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends a gentle hint of savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Our thickening agent for that dreamy, velvety cream sauce.
Whole milk (2 cups): The base of our sauce—whole milk provides both richness and balance for the other flavors.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to making the sauce extra luxurious and indulgent.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the flavors of both potatoes and cheese.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a touch of sharpness to cut through the richness.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an almost-magic nutty warmth that marries beautifully with dairy.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into every bite, making it delightfully gooey and flavorful.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings that salty, umami punch that sets this recipe apart.
Chopped fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish): Offers a pop of color and a fresh herbal note on top!

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing—either with a little butter or nonstick spray. This simple prep will stop your gorgeous layered potatoes from sticking and ensure every slice lifts out perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. When it starts to bubble, toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and turns translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add the garlic for just 30 seconds—enough to release a mouthwatering aroma. This quick sauté is the flavor foundation of your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your onion-garlic mixture and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. You want a smooth paste, known as a roux, to build a thick, luscious sauce. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while to keep things silky and lump-free. Stir in the salt, pepper, and that fabulous nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Add Cheese for Maximum Creaminess

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in half the shredded cheddar. Watch it melt right into your cream sauce, turning everything pasty, smooth, and utterly irresistible. This is the secret step that sets your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe above the rest.

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of your creamy sauce right on top and spread it out so every potato gets coated. Repeat with the remaining potato slices and the rest of the sauce—you’ll see the layers already starting to look mouthwatering. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and all the Parmesan for a gorgeous, bubbling golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes so the potatoes can gently soften and soak up every bit of that rich sauce. After that, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbling top and potato slices that are fork-tender whenever you test them. Let the whole tray rest out of the oven for at least 10 minutes (hard as it is!)—this is the trick to neat slices and perfect presentation.

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish really brings your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to life. Sprinkle on chopped fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and a touch of fresh, herbal brightness. If you want to get extra fancy, a little dusting of smoked paprika or cracked pepper looks gorgeous right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with virtually anything, so don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine! Serve it up next to roast chicken, ham, beef, or even with a crisp green salad. Its creamy richness balances heartier mains and lighter sides alike, making it a true crowd-pleaser at family dinners and festive celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, bake your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins or mini gratin dishes—adorable and perfectly portioned. Or, cut the cooled bake into neat squares for a chic buffet presentation. For holidays, arrange extra sprigs of fresh herbs and edible flowers around the platter for a show-stopping look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Creamy Scalloped Potatoes cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors might even deepen and mellow overnight—you’ll love them just as much on day two.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the fully cooked casserole. Once it cools completely, either wrap the dish tightly or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes). This helps preserve the luscious texture and melts the cheese topping all over again. You can make quick microwave reheats for smaller servings, but the oven really works wonders for reviving that just-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It’s perfect for holiday meal planning.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or a Swiss cheese blend makes it extra special. Feel free to mix in a touch of mozzarella for extra melt or even try a sharper aged cheese if that’s your thing.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeled potatoes make the layers extra smooth and help the sauce soak in, but you can leave the skins on if you’re using thin-skinned Yukon Golds for extra texture and nutrients.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Definitely! Cooked bacon, ham, or even sautéed mushrooms between the layers take this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to a whole new level. Roasted garlic or a blend of herbs is a wonderful touch as well.

Why do my scalloped potatoes sometimes turn out soupy?

This usually means the potatoes weren’t cooked long enough or the sauce wasn’t thickened before layering. Be sure to let the sauce thicken on the stove, and always rest the finished casserole for at least 10 minutes to set the layers.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one dish I hope you’ll try this week, it’s this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s pure comfort, cozy memories, and irresistible flavor all baked into one pan. Once you taste that golden, bubbly, cheesy goodness, you’ll want to add it to every special gathering. Happy cooking!

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of these scalloped potatoes, a classic side dish perfect for any occasion. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are bathed in a velvety sauce, then baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cheese:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Layer potatoes: Arrange half of the potatoes in the dish, pour half of the sauce, then repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Add cheese: Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
Rest and garnish: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.