Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly layered, these Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether served at holiday feasts or alongside a cozy weeknight meal, this dish offers tender potatoes baked in a rich, savory sauce that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The layers of creamy sauce and tender potatoes make every bite irresistible.
It’s a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.
Simple ingredients create a dish with complex flavors and satisfying textures.
Perfect for making ahead, so it’s ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Versatile enough to adapt with extra cheese or other add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, a little at a time. The mixture will thicken as you add the liquid. Continue whisking until smooth.
Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Let it boil for 1 minute. Stir in salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish. Layer ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour ⅓ of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with the cream sauce on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for 3-4 minutes.
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 15 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
Variations
Cheesy Twist: Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere, to the sauce or between the potato layers.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Garlic Lovers: Double the amount of garlic for a more robust flavor.
Extra Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs and a bit of melted butter before the final bake for a crispy crust.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For smaller portions, microwave on medium power, covered, to retain moisture.
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FAQs
How can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered bake time.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice due to their buttery texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can fall apart.
Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?
This can happen if the potatoes weren’t properly drained or the sauce wasn’t thickened enough. Ensure the roux is fully cooked and thick before layering.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the final baking stage.
Can I add meat to the recipe?
Absolutely! Add cooked ham, bacon, or shredded chicken between the layers for a heartier dish.
Conclusion
Scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, delivering creamy, rich flavors in every bite. This versatile side dish is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive celebrations. With endless variations and straightforward storage options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners. Tender layers of potatoes baked in a savory sauce make this recipe a must-try comfort food.
Ingredients
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
3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛” thick
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth over low heat until smooth and thickened. Bring to a boil, then cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish. Layer ⅓ of the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and pour ⅓ of the sauce. Repeat layers, ending with sauce.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 35-45 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden. Optionally, broil for 3-4 minutes for a crispier top.
- Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Cheesy Variation: Add shredded cheese between layers or into the sauce for extra flavor.
Herbs and Seasoning: Enhance with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a dash of paprika.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
