Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

What Makes Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes So Special

There is truly nothing like the scent of garlic and onions softening in butter, followed by the rich, velvety promise of a cheese sauce bubbling away on the stove. It’s the kind of aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen, noses first, wondering what wonderful comfort is being prepared. That’s the magic of these homemade scalloped potatoes, a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I learned the secret to the best creamy scalloped potatoes from my grandmother, who insisted on patience and whole milk. She’d always say, “Don’t rush the sauce, dear, or you’ll wonder why your potatoes are tough and not creamy.” It’s that slow, loving process that transforms simple ingredients into pure nostalgia. It’s the heart of a home-cooked meal.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating your own masterpiece. This is for a classic, cheesy scalloped potatoes dish that serves a crowd.

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Good things take time, and this dish is no exception. The hands-on work is a lovely, meditative process, and the oven does the rest of the work for you.

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for the most perfect, creamy scalloped potatoes sauce and a golden, bubbly finish. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your beautiful potatoes won’t stick.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste and is key to a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. This patience is the secret to a non-grainy texture.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 6: Layer Potatoes & Sauce

Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set perfectly. Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Every family has their own little twist, and I encourage you to find yours! Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this recipe my own.

• Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using a combination of Gruyère and cheddar cheese.
• Diet Tweak: To make these gluten free scalloped potatoes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Prep Fix: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices, which helps them cook uniformly.
• Storage Tip: Let the dish cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the best texture.

Healthier Alternatives for Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

I often get asked, “Can I make Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes a bit lighter?” Absolutely! While the classic version is a treat, a few simple swaps can create a wonderful healthier alternative without sacrificing that creamy comfort.

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole-fat evaporated milk. For a lighter cheese option, part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully. And if you’re avoiding dairy, unsweetened almond or oat milk with a dairy-free cheese alternative can work for gluten free scalloped potatoes, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.

How to Serve Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

This dish has always been the star of our holiday table, sitting proudly next to a glazed ham or a perfectly roasted turkey. The sight of that steaming, cheesy casserole being carried to the table is a memory I cherish from my own childhood and now create for my family.

For a wonderful weeknight meal, pair a scoop of these easy scalloped potatoes with a simple roasted chicken and some steamed green beans. It turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special. A crisp white wine or even a sparkling cider complements the richness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions