The Perfect Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe For Family Dinners

Hearty winter meals always shine with a delicious scalloped potatoes recipe that promises pure comfort.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes beckon with their golden, bubbling charm.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Crisp edges and tender centers make this classic side impossible to resist.

Subtle herbs and creamy sauce elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

We love how this recipe brings warmth to any dinner table.

Slicing, seasoning, and baking become a delightful culinary adventure you’ll want to experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a delicious melty and tangy flavor to the potatoes.

• Onions, Garlic: Flavorful vegetables that provide depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the scalloped potatoes.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and add richness to the recipe.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds a fresh and colorful finishing touch to the dish.

Baking Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Haven

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Layers

• Thinly sliced potatoes
• Soft onion rings
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Heavy cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese

Stack these ingredients like a flavor skyscraper, repeating until you’ve used everything.

Your final layer should be potatoes crowned with cream and cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your potato paradise with aluminum foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking 30-40 minutes until the top turns golden and potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow your creamy potato creation to cool for 10 minutes.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs on top before serving.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Prep Tips

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring consistent cooking and a professional-looking dish.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration before layering in the baking dish.
• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, tender texture that absorbs the rich cream perfectly.
• Grate cheese freshly and sprinkle in thin layers to achieve a smooth, even melting without burning or becoming greasy.
• Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to add subtle aromatic flavors that complement the creamy potato base.

How to Save and Reheat Scalloped Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Stays good for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Add splash of cream or milk to maintain creamy texture.

Dishes That Go with Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Savor Protein-Packed Pairings: Grilled roasted chicken complements the creamy potatoes perfectly, adding lean protein and balancing the dish's richness.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the potatoes' heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Noir that matches the dish's creamy texture and cheesy undertones, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Vegetable Balance: Roast green beans with garlic and almonds to introduce a crunchy, nutritious side that brightens the meal's richness.

Switch-Ups for Scalloped Potato Fans

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative instead of cheddar for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Maintain the same layering technique and creamy sauce for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage between potato layers for an aromatic boost. Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top before serving to enhance the flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked, diced ham or crumbled bacon between layers to create a heartier dish. Incorporate diced chicken or turkey for a leaner protein addition that complements the creamy potatoes.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for creamy scalloped potatoes?

The key ingredients are potatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and butter. These ingredients create a rich, layered dish with a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

• How thick should I slice the potatoes?

Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistent slicing ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes become tender and creamy throughout the dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor profile to the scalloped potatoes.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, a sharp knife for slicing potatoes, aluminum foil, and basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and spoons. A mandoline slicer can help create uniform potato slices, but it’s not essential.

Why You’ll Crave Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Dive into a creamy, cheesy potato dish that wraps you in pure culinary warmth, perfect for satisfying those hearty hunger pangs.
• Nail this recipe with simple layering techniques and basic ingredients, making it a stress-free experience for kitchen newbies and seasoned cooks alike.
• Watch faces light up as this versatile side dish steals the show at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings with its irresistible golden-topped deliciousness.
• Easily swap cheeses, add bacon bits, or sprinkle herbs to create a personalized twist that matches your taste buds and mood.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irresistible Scalloped Potatoes bring classic comfort to your dinner table with layers of tender potatoes and rich, cheesy sauce. Guests will savor each luxurious bite of this hearty side dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Potato Base:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy Components:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs (like thyme or chives) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment.
2. Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with butter, creating a non-stick surface for the potato layers.
3. Construct the first foundational layer of delicately sliced potatoes across the dish’s bottom, creating an even landscape.
4. Distribute thinly sliced onions and fragrant minced garlic over the potato base, seasoning thoroughly with salt and freshly ground pepper.
5. Cascade a luxurious stream of heavy cream across the initial layer, followed by a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
6. Methodically repeat the layering sequence – potatoes, onions, garlic, seasoning, cream, and cheese – building intricate flavor dimensions.
7. Conclude the stratification with a final potato layer, lavishly topped with remaining cream and a crowning cheese blanket.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then immerse in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften.
9. Uncover the dish, returning it to the oven for an additional 30-40 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, crispy landscape.
10. Allow the creation to rest and settle for 10 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize before serving, optionally adorned with fresh herb confetti.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most luxurious texture that holds shape perfectly during baking.
• Slice potatoes uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline for consistent cooking and an elegant presentation.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner, more defined layering and preventing a gummy consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing richness.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or fontina for a more complex, nutty flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham between layers for a protein-packed variation that transforms the side dish into a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 80 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg