If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dishes, then you are going to adore the Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This classic side dish brings together tender Yukon Gold potatoes layered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, enriched with sharp cheddar and a touch of Parmesan for that perfect golden crust. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday feast or just craving a cozy dinner at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building depth of flavor and the perfect silky texture that makes the Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe so beloved. From the naturally buttery Yukon Gold potatoes to the rich blend of cream and cheese, every component brings something special to the table.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for even cooking and a tender bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich base to sauté the onions and build the sauce’s smoothness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): The secret thickener that creates a luscious cream sauce.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess while balancing richness for a smooth sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Elevates the sauce to indulgent, silky perfection.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the creamy base.
- Yellow onion, finely diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce’s backbone.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat that balances out the richness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A classic touch that adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, freshly shredded): Melts beautifully for a flavorful, cheesy experience.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Creates a crisp, savory crust to finish the top perfectly.
How to Make Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your scalloped potatoes don’t stick and come out cleanly when ready to serve. This simple start sets the stage for all the layers of deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then add finely diced yellow onion. Let the onion soften for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, then stir in minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that irresistible aroma, about 30 seconds. This combination forms a flavor-packed base for your cream sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, whisking constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw taste and to create a roux. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This silken sauce is what clings lovingly to the potato slices, creating that signature scalloped texture.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Place half of your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the sharp cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheddar cheese. Finally, scatter the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer for an irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven, baking for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes more, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. Patience here rewards you with creamy, tender potatoes and a perfectly crisp cheese crust.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your scalloped potatoes rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the sauce to thicken and set, making each serving neat and indulgently creamy.
How to Serve Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can brighten up the dish with a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving for an encore of cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as a juicy roast chicken or beef tenderloin. It’s a classic side for holiday meals but equally fantastic with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner presentation, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins, topped with a sprig of thyme for elegance. Alternatively, layer the components in a clear casserole dish for a beautiful, inviting display that shows off those cheesy layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions before baking or after they’ve cooled post-baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the creamy texture and keeps the top from getting too overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use other potato varieties for this recipe?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are best for their creaminess and even cooking, you can substitute Russets if needed. Keep in mind that Russets tend to be starchier and might result in a slightly different texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can adapt this recipe by using non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese flavors, though the taste and texture will shift somewhat from the original.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slicing the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick ensures even cooking and the perfect tender bite without falling apart. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent slices quickly.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! Assemble the scalloped potatoes up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready, add a little extra baking time since the dish will be cold going into the oven.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For a flavor twist, try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce, or swap half the cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier, more complex profile. A pinch of smoked paprika also adds a subtle smoky warmth.
Final Thoughts
Once you make the Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods that shines during special occasions or simple weeknight dinners. This dish proves that simple, quality ingredients and some care in preparation can create irresistible, soul-warming dishes. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor every cheesy, creamy bite, and perhaps even share it with someone who deserves a little comfort food love.
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Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich and creamy garlic-onion cheese sauce, topped with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly layered and baked to golden bubbly perfection, this classic American side dish is comforting and ideal for holiday dinners or anytime you crave a cheesy, savory treat.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook while whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheddar cheese.
- Add Parmesan and Cover: Top the final layer with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and absorb the creamy sauce.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set for perfect slicing.
Notes
- Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the dish.
- For extra richness and a different flavor profile, substitute Gruyère cheese for part of the cheddar cheese.
- Allowing the scalloped potatoes to rest before serving helps the creamy sauce thicken and makes the dish easier to serve.
