If you love comfort food that’s both decadent and easy to make, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Picture tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes drenched in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly with a golden crust on top. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday dinner or just craving something cozy, this recipe is the ultimate homestyle side dish that never fails to impress.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients come together in this dish, each bringing its own magic to the table. These pantry and fridge staples create the unforgettable flavor, creamy texture, and that signature golden top of a true Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Yukon gold or russet potatoes (2 pounds): The sturdy yet tender base that soaks up all that scrumptious sauce—Yukon golds bring creaminess while russets add fluffiness.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the sauce become ultra silky.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This is key for thickening the cheese sauce so it hugs every slice of potato.
Whole milk (2 cups): Lends body to the sauce and balances the heavier cream.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Guarantees next-level creaminess and decadence.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, savory depth.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and ties all the flavors together.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A touch of heat and aroma, perfectly balancing the richness.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle herby notes that make the recipe fragrant and fresh.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds bold, cheesy flavor.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Finishes the top with a salty, nutty crisp.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of green and an herby freshness to the final presentation.

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray—this not only keeps the potatoes from sticking but also helps them crisp up just right. Next, peel your Yukon gold or russet potatoes and slice them thinly. A mandoline slicer will save you time and ensure even slices, but a steady hand and sharp knife work just fine. Uniform slices cook more evenly and give your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe that classic layered look.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and give it a quick sauté—about 30 seconds—to unlock its savory aroma. Whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute to form a smooth, fragrant roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens into a luscious sauce. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar so it gets nice and melty.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Spread half of your potato slices in an even layer across the bottom of your prepped baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce right over this potato layer, making sure every slice is coated. Layer on the remaining potatoes, then top with the rest of the cheese sauce. This double layering trick means every bite boasts creamy, cheesy flavor from top to bottom.

Step 4: Cheese Toppings and Baking

For the ultimate finish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the grated Parmesan right over the top. Cover the pan snugly with foil—this helps the potatoes steam and become perfectly tender. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil. Pop the dish back in and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden top and potatoes that are fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

When the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe comes out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. The sauce will set slightly, so you get beautiful slices instead of a soupy mess. Finish with a flurry of chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve warm—you’ll instantly see why this dish has comfort classic status!

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a classic, but you can also add thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika for color and a touch of spice. Lemon zest or chives are wonderful choices to brighten the dish if you want to mix it up.

Side Dishes

The Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs flawlessly with roast chicken, baked ham, or your favorite holiday mains. It’s also a winning side for grilled veggies or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation. For a cozy weeknight, just serve it family-style in the original bakers. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in a handful of cooked ham or caramelized onions between the potato layers for even more flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The flavors meld and become even richer, perfect for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

The Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–30 minutes. For that coveted golden top, uncover for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, feel free to try Gruyère, Swiss, or even fontina for a delicious twist. Just make sure your cheese melts well for that ultra-creamy finish.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness—thin enough to cook evenly and absorb the sauce, but not paper-thin. Using a mandoline makes this easy and ensures uniform slices for the best results.

Can I add meat or other vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced ham, cooked bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms make tasty additions. You could also add thinly sliced onions between the layers or toss in some spinach for color and nutrients.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Why let the dish rest before serving?

Resting gives the sauce a chance to thicken and settle, which means you’ll get clean, firm slices instead of a runny casserole. It also helps meld all those incredible flavors for maximum enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a bubbling dish of homemade Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with family or friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to master, and always leaves everyone reaching for seconds. If you love comfort food that’s equal parts classic and crave-worthy, don’t hesitate—give this recipe a spot on your table and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of these scalloped potatoes, a comforting and rich side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, milk, and cream. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and half of cheddar.
Layer potatoes: Arrange half in dish, pour half of cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Bake: Sprinkle with remaining cheeses, cover, and bake. Uncover and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.