When the holidays rolled around at my grandmother’s, the smell of creamy scalloped potatoes filled the air. She layered Yukon Gold slices with onions and a rich sauce, baked until golden. This scalloped potatoes recipe carries that same comfort, perfect for family dinners or festive spreads.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
A scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, sometimes topped with cheese. Unlike potatoes au gratin, which uses breadcrumbs and more cheese throughout, scalloped potatoes focus on tender layers and a velvety sauce.
For another cozy potato dish, try our Swamp Potatoes Recipe for a Cajun twist.
Why You’ll Love This
From Sunday roasts to Christmas dinners, creamy scalloped potatoes deliver timeless appeal. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, turkey, or even vegetarian mains. The recipe is also easy to adapt add ham for a heartier bite or swap cheeses for your favorite flavors.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Quick Overview
- Make the sauce with butter, flour, milk, and broth.
- Layer potatoes, onions, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake until tender and golden.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère/Gouda)
- Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch dish. In a skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour for 1 min, add milk and broth gradually. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, pepper; cook 3 min until thickened. Layer half the potatoes, onion, half the sauce, and 1 cup cheese. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with ½ cup cheese. Cover, bake 30 min; uncover, bake 35–40 min until tender. Rest 20 min before serving.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
These potatoes shine alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a fresh green salad. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread complete the experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Scalloped Potatoes
- Use starchy potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Let them rest before serving so the sauce sets.
For more potato inspiration, check out our Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs another great side dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin?
Scalloped potatoes use a creamy sauce, while potatoes au gratin add breadcrumbs and more cheese layers.
Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, assemble a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Why did my scalloped potatoes turn out watery?
Excess moisture in potatoes or thin sauce can cause this use starchy potatoes and cook sauce until thick.
How do I prevent my potatoes from being undercooked?
Slice thinly and bake covered first to steam them through.
Scalloped potatoes are one of those dishes that bridge everyday comfort and holiday elegance. Whether you’re preparing a casual Sunday dinner or building a festive spread, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and nostalgia. For another cozy potato favorite, try this Baked Sweet Potato recipe it’s equally simple and satisfying.
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Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic creamy scalloped potatoes with tender layers of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes baked in a velvety sauce and topped with golden cheese.
Equipments:
Ingredients
3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, sliced thin
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère/Gouda)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Melt butter in skillet, whisk in flour for 1 min.
- Slowly add milk and broth, whisk until thickened.
- Add garlic, thyme, salt, pepper; cook 2–3 min.
- Layer half the potatoes in dish, then onion, half the sauce, 1 cup cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with ½ cup cheese.
- Cover and bake 30 min; uncover and bake 35–40 min until tender.
- Rest 20 min before serving.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes for the creamiest texture.
Slice uniformly for even cooking.
Add diced ham for a hearty twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg

















