If you’re searching for a truly show-stopping side dish, look no further than this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s impossibly creamy, bubbling with layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s so inviting, you’ll want to sneak a forkful right out of the baking dish. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, a cozy family dinner, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is pure potato bliss and sure to be the number one request from your table every time.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is just how approachable the ingredients list is. Every component is classic, thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible golden top. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and why each is essential:

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for a deep, savory base.
Yellow onion (thinly sliced): Infuses the cream sauce with sweetness and a subtle bite.
Garlic (minced): Lends a gentle aroma that makes the whole dish pop.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring every bite clings perfectly to the potatoes.
Whole milk: Creates a perfectly smooth, creamy foundation for the sauce.
Heavy cream: Takes the lusciousness up a notch for a truly decadent result.
Salt: Brightens all the flavors in each layer.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and contrast that complements the richness.
Dried thyme: A hint of herby aroma that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced): The star of the show! Their creamy texture and buttery flavor are unmatched here.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and brings sharp, tangy flavor to every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the umami and gives the top a golden, crispy finish.

How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a thorough greasing—this little step keeps those precious edges from sticking and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in those lovingly sliced onions and cook until they’re beautifully soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add your minced garlic, stirring for just a minute until fragrant. The kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for one minute to create a light roux (not too dark, just enough to work out any raw flour taste). Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce. Stir in the salt, pepper, and thyme, then let everything come to a gentle simmer. After 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll know it’s thickened when it coats the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to create a gorgeous mosaic. Pour over half of your velvety cream sauce, and sprinkle with half of both cheeses for perfect gooeyness between layers. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese—building the anticipation for that first bite.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to steam the potatoes into tender, creamy bliss. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the top bubbles and turns golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go past perfect!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

This might be the hardest part: wait about 10 minutes after pulling the dish from the oven. This resting time lets the sauce thicken so slices hold their shape on your plate. Now all that’s left is to gather everyone and dig in!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and herbal brightness. If you want extra flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper adds a rustic finishing touch to your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside classic main courses like roasted chicken, ham, prime rib, or seared salmon. Pair with a leafy green salad or some simple steamed veggies—think green beans or asparagus—to balance that rich, creamy center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party or layering slices onto a platter family-style at a holiday feast. For something extra celebratory, use a biscuit cutter to create round stacks—perfect for a brunch spread or potluck table, guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making those leftovers a lunch dream or quick side for busy weeknights.

Freezing

To freeze, cut cooled scalloped potatoes into portions and wrap well in foil or store in freezer-safe containers. These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep them moist, for 20–30 minutes or until heated through. For microwave reheating, try 1–2 minutes per portion, uncovering and checking for even heating. If you love a crispy top, pop under the broiler for a few extra minutes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While Yukon Golds give a creamy, buttery texture, Russets work well too for a fluffier result. Just make sure to slice thinly for even cooking in this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The rest of the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe remains unchanged and equally delicious.

Is it possible to assemble in advance?

Definitely. You can prepare the layered dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as instructed for the freshest results.

What cheeses work best if I want to experiment?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classics, but you can try Gruyère, fontina, or provolone for different flavors and a beautifully melty finish. Mixing cheeses can give your Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a new twist every time!

How can I make the top extra crispy?

After baking, set your oven to broil and watch closely while the top turns golden and bubbling—2 to 3 minutes is usually perfect. For extra crunch, sprinkle a few breadcrumbs or more Parmesan over the top before broiling.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to a pan of bubbling, golden scalloped potatoes. This Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure magic—cozy, creamy, and unforgettable. Give it a try and share a little comfort (and a lot of flavor) with the people you love most.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden cheesy crust – a side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Layers:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté onion until soft, add garlic.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour, whisk in milk and cream, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
Layer and Bake: Alternate potatoes, sauce, and cheeses in the baking dish. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden and tender.
Final Touch: Let cool before serving.