Name: Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup vegetable broth; 4 garlic cloves, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; 2 teaspoons sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ⅛-inch thick; ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a cozy, indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce and crowned with golden, melted cheddar create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. This dish is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something irresistibly delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand is slicing light yellow potatoes into thin round pieces on a wooden cutting board. Around the cutting board, there are whole yellow potatoes, a whole light brown onion, a head of garlic, a small bowl with cubes of pale yellow butter, a white bowl filled with shredded orange cheddar cheese, a glass jug with white milk, a jar of light brown broth, and a small dish with white flour and a metal spoon. The whole setup is on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is simple, but each plays a crucial role in building rich flavor, silky texture, and that inviting golden crust. Getting these just right will make all the difference in your final dish.

Unsalted butter: Essential for starting the creamy sauce and ensuring it’s rich without being overly salty.
All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that turns milk and broth into a luscious, velvety sauce.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce without overpowering the potatoes.
Vegetable broth: Infuses subtle savory notes that round out the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Freshly grated for a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the earthiness of the potatoes.
Fresh thyme leaves: Their bright, herby aroma lifts the dish and adds a sophisticated touch.
Sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together.
Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that keeps each bite interesting.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Thinly sliced for perfect tenderness and their naturally buttery texture.
Yellow onion: Thin slices that soften during baking and add a subtle sweetness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates a beautifully browned top and richness throughout.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your dish will bake evenly and prevents any sticking, setting the stage for perfect layers later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Then slowly pour in the whole milk and vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add freshly grated garlic, chopped thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and lightly coats the back of a spoon. This rich sauce is the heart of the Scalloped Potatoes Recipe and delivers comforting, garlic-infused creaminess in every bite.

Step 3: Layer Your Potatoes

Start layering half of the thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes at the bottom of your prepared dish. Top them with half of the thinly sliced yellow onions, then spoon over half of your creamy sauce. Sprinkle one cup of grated cheddar cheese on top. This layering method ensures every slice gets a chance to soak up those savory flavors, making the dish heavenly rather than mushy.

Step 4: Repeat and Bake

Now, repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce, finishing with the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese. Cover the dish tightly, then place it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes. After this, remove the cover and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Letting it rest for 20 minutes before serving allows the layers to settle, making each slice hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish contains a layered potato casserole. At the bottom, thinly sliced yellow potatoes form the first layer, topped by a layer of creamy white sauce with visible small green herb flecks. Sliced white onions are scattered on top of the sauce, partly covered by the sauce as well. The final layer is being added by a woman's hand sprinkling shredded bright orange cheddar cheese over the top, creating a colorful contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a light striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your scalloped potatoes even more, try sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle warmth and color contrast that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, balancing hearty proteins with its creamy texture. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also incorporate different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a twist on flavor or add cooked bacon bits between the layers for extra smoky indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scalloped potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors sometimes deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container before baking or after it’s fully cooked and cooled. When properly sealed, it can be kept frozen for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm the potatoes covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually around 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain that creamy texture and melt the cheese back to perfection without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

You can, but Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Russets tend to be fluffier and may not hold together as well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese? Can I substitute it?

Absolutely! Cheddar works well because it melts nicely and has a sharp flavor, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella can also be delicious alternatives, depending on your taste preference.

Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

This classic version isn’t dairy-free, but you can adapt it by using plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes. Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives can replace the cheddar, though the flavor will change slightly.

How thin should the potato slices be?

About 1/8 of an inch thick is perfect as it allows the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Final Thoughts

This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a little slice of comfort heaven on a plate. Its creamy layers, fragrant herbs, and cheesy crust make it a standout at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a luscious side, I truly hope you give it a try and let it become one of your favorites as well.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes Recipe