Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort food made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce until tender and beautifully golden on top. The potatoes slowly absorb the buttery sauce as they bake, giving every layer a soft, creamy texture and plenty of savory flavor. With simple ingredients like potatoes, cream, butter, garlic, and seasonings, this dish is easy to prepare but feels special enough for a holiday table.
This recipe is a wonderful side dish for family dinners, Sunday meals, and special gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, beef, ham, or turkey, and the creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up flavorful sauces and pan juices. Once baked, the top becomes lightly golden while the inside stays warm and tender, making these Scalloped Potatoes a comforting addition to almost any meal.
Table of Contents
Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 cups milk or half milk, half cream for extra richness
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese optional but recommended
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 small onion thinly sliced, optional
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Preparation
Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even pieces so they cook evenly, then prepare the sauce by melting butter in a pan, adding the garlic and cooking briefly, stirring in the flour, and slowly pouring in the milk while mixing until you get a smooth and creamy sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and spices.
Step 2: Layering
In a greased baking dish, add a layer of sliced potatoes, then pour some sauce over them and sprinkle cheese if using, and repeat the process of layering potatoes and sauce until everything is used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
Step 3: Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Serving
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens, then serve warm and enjoy.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This scalloped potatoes recipe is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, using simple everyday ingredients to create a rich and delicious dish that turns out perfectly tender with a golden, cheesy top every time, making it the perfect side for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you want something warm and satisfying.
Tips and Shortcuts
Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for a few minutes to remove excess starch then dry well.
Warm the milk before adding it to the sauce to help it thicken faster.
Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave for better texture.
Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you’re in a hurry.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
I like making scalloped potatoes when I want something creamy, warm, and really comforting. The potatoes bake until soft and tender in a rich, creamy sauce that makes every bite feel cozy and satisfying. It’s a perfect side dish for family dinners and goes well with chicken, meat, or even a simple salad. My daughter loves them because they’re soft and cheesy. At home we usually serve them hot straight from the oven. They go really well with cold lemonade, a fruit smoothie, or iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cream instead of milk ?
Yes, cream makes the dish richer and more creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy ?
Whisk the milk slowly into the flour mixture and keep stirring.
Can I freeze scalloped potatoes ?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge ?
They last about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Scalloped Potatoes
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes1
hour300
kcal1
hour25
minutesScalloped Potatoes is a creamy and comforting baked dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, flavorful sauce and cooked until soft, golden, and delicious—perfect as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
4 large potatoes thinly sliced
2 cups milk or half milk, half cream for extra richness
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup shredded cheese optional but recommended
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
1 small onion thinly sliced, optional
Directions
- Step 1: Preparation :Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even pieces so they cook evenly, then prepare the sauce by melting butter in a pan, adding the garlic and cooking briefly, stirring in the flour, and slowly pouring in the milk while mixing until you get a smooth and creamy sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Step 2: Layering :In a greased baking dish, add a layer of sliced potatoes, then pour some sauce over them and sprinkle cheese if using, and repeat the process of layering potatoes and sauce until everything is used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Step 3: Baking :Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 4: Serving :Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Dry potatoes well after washing to avoid watery sauce.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the sauce for smoother results.
- Check doneness with a knife it should slide in easily.
- Slice potatoes thin and evenly so they cook at the same speed.
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