Best Scalloped Potatoes = tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy, garlicky sauce, baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a timeless side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any comfort-food craving.
🧄🧀 Classic Scalloped Potatoes (No shortcuts, all flavor)
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (mostly hands-off)
🛒 Ingredients:
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2 ½ lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 6 medium)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for richness)
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1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy scalloped potatoes)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional but excellent)
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1/2 tsp thyme or fresh rosemary (optional)
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Extra butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
🔪 Prep:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar.
2. Peel & slice potatoes:
Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to slice potatoes 1/8-inch thick. Keep slices in cold water if prepping ahead to prevent browning (just pat them dry before using).
👩🍳 Make the Cream Sauce:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly (this is your roux).
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Slowly whisk in milk (and cream, if using).
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Add garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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(Optional) Stir in half the cheese if making it cheesy.
🥘 Assemble:
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Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
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Pour half the cream sauce over the potatoes.
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Add remaining potatoes, then pour over the rest of the sauce.
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(Optional) Top with remaining cheese.
🔥 Bake:
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and a knife slides easily into the potatoes.
✅ Want a crispy top? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — just watch it closely.
⏱️ Rest Before Serving:
Let sit for 10–15 minutes after baking. The sauce will thicken and slices will hold together better.
🌿 Garnish Options:
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Fresh chopped parsley or chives
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A sprinkle of Parmesan
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Cracked black pepper
🔄 Variations:
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Cheesy Au Gratin-style: Add Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan between layers
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Garlic & herb: Add rosemary, thyme, or sage
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Add-ins: Thin slices of ham, sautéed onions, or caramelized leeks
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Dairy-free: Use plant milk + olive oil, but thicken with a cornstarch slurry
Want a make-ahead version, mini ramekin servings, or a slow cooker scalloped potato recipe?
