Today: Get My No Fail, Easy Cookbook Series for 60% OFF
Buy Now

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Pin RecipeReview Recipe
a baking dish of Scalloped Potatoes with a large wooden spoon
These homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes are so simple and delicious — you will be coming back for seconds and thirds.  
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
  1. What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
  2. Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
  3. Substitutions And Additions
  4. Which Potatoes Are Best To Use For Scalloped Potatoes?
  5. How To Make Scalloped Potatoes
  6. What’s The Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes And Au Gratin Potatoes?
  7. How To Serve The Best Scalloped Potatoes
  8. Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Storage
  9. Your Family Will Love This Recipe For Scalloped Potatoes
  10. Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQ
  11. More Recipes You’ll Love
  12. JUMP TO RECIPE

These scalloped potatoes feature a double layer of sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and cheddar cheese. They are such a classic and delicious side dish, you can’t go wrong adding them to any meal.

close up shot of Scalloped Potatoes garnished with fresh thyme in a baking dish

What Are Scalloped Potatoes?

Don't want to lose this recipe? Get it emailed to you directly! Enter your email below. Plus you'll get a free e-cookbook and amazing recipes sent to you daily.

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side dish featuring sliced potatoes smothered in cheese and a creamy sauce. The scalloped name refers to the way the potatoes are sliced.

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

Scalloped Potatoes raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

  • 8 cups of potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and sliced really thin
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • ½ cup of diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 6 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ tablespoon of fresh thyme
  • Fresh thyme for garnish  

Substitutions And Additions

HAM: Add two cups of cubed, cooked ham to this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe to transform them from a side dish to the main course.

TOPPINGS: We love to top this classic dish with our favorite potato toppings.

Try some or all of the following on top of your cheesy potatoes: green onions, bacon, breadcrumbs, or sour cream.

Which Potatoes Are Best To Use For Scalloped Potatoes?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are traditionally used to make scalloped potatoes. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well when baked.

How To Make Scalloped Potatoes

STEP ONE: Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP TWO: Wash, dry, and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice potatoes very thin (about ⅛ inch).

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Make sure the potatoes are VERY thinly sliced, or you may have to increase the bake time to make sure they are soft and tender.

STEP THREE: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onions and garlic are soft.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of ingredients in a pot

STEP FOUR: Add the flour and cook for two minutes longer.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of flour added to a pot of ingredients

STEP FIVE: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you add it.

chicken broth poured and whisked into the pot

STEP SIX: Add the milk and continue whisking. Increase the heat to medium heat and stir constantly until the cream mixture comes to a boil and thickens.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of milk added to a pot of ingredients

STEP SEVEN: Season the cream mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of seasoning and cheddar cheese added to the pot of ingredients

PRO TIP:

It’s best to shred the cheese yourself. Store-bought pre-shredded cheese tends to be coated in a preservative which prevents it from melting well.

STEP EIGHT: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the ½ teaspoon of thyme and the cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.

STEP NINE: Place half of the potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top of the potatoes.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of sauce poured over the potatoes in a baking dish

STEP TEN: Repeat layers with a second layer of potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top of the potato slices. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot of fresh thyme added to potatoes

STEP ELEVEN: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

This gives enough time for the potatoes to turn tender and the cheesy top layer to melt.

Scalloped Potatoes process shot after potatoes are baked

STEP TWELVE: Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Let the dish sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

PRO TIP:

To remove thyme leaves, hold the stem by the growing end and move your fingers down toward the base, stripping the little leaves off.

What’s The Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes And Au Gratin Potatoes?

The main difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes is the type of cheese used in each dish.

Scalloped potatoes are usually made with Gruyere cheese, while au gratin potatoes are typically made with cheddar cheese. Both versions are delicious.

How To Serve The Best Scalloped Potatoes

These easy scalloped potatoes can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course — as well as being an obviously great side dish for a holiday meal.

This recipe goes well with a hearty meat main dish like pot roast, meatloaf, or Instant Pot pot roast.

We also love roasted chicken, grilled steak, and even roasted vegetables.

And for a well-rounded plate, add a side of simple sautéed vegetables or homemade Caesar salad.

From family dinners to holidays and potlucks, these scalloped potatoes are always a great option. If you are looking for more potato side dishes, try our creamy mashed potatoes and crack potatoes.

What meat goes best with scalloped potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are a versatile dish that goes well with ham, roast chicken, fish, or even beef.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Storage

MAKE AHEAD: Can you make scalloped potatoes ahead of time? The answer is yes! You can easily make them the day before you plan to serve them.

Simply assemble the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake the potatoes as directed.

IN THE FRIDGE: The best way to store your leftovers in the fridge is to place them in an airtight container.

This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. Scalloped potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: Scalloped potatoes can be frozen, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure the potatoes are cooked all the way through before freezing.

Second, once they’re cooked, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Generally speaking, scalloped potatoes au gratin can be frozen for up to two months.

REHEATING: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen scalloped potatoes, simply thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

close up shot of Scalloped Potatoes garnished with fresh thyme in a baking dish

Your Family Will Love This Recipe For Scalloped Potatoes

These layered scalloped potatoes are a simple classic that’s full of satisfying sliced potatoes and melted cheese and topped with fresh thyme. The whole family will be looking for seconds of this yummy comfort food.

Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQ

Can I make this delicious recipe the night before and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake it?

You can definitely prepare this dish ahead of time. Store in the fridge covered in plastic wrap for up to three days before baking.

What are the best potatoes for this recipe?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are traditionally used to make scalloped potatoes. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well when baked.

Can I add extras to the scalloped potatoes?

If you’d like to add extra veggies or small pieces of ham or chicken, it would be delicious.

What makes scalloped potatoes scalloped?

The potatoes get their name from the way the potatoes are sliced.

Why won’t my scalloped potatoes get soft?

Potatoes will not soften if they are cooked with something acidic. So if you have sour cream in your sauce, they may not soften properly. This is why we recommend using milk or heavy cream in your sauce instead.

How long should you cook scalloped potatoes?

We recommend cooking scalloped potatoes for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Do scalloped potatoes cook faster covered or uncovered?

When cooking scalloped potatoes, cover with foil for the first
⅔ of the cooking time, and then remove it for the last part to allow the potatoes to brown.

How do you know when scalloped potatoes are done?

You’ll know that scalloped potatoes are done when you are able to easily pierce them with a fork.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Get Recipes on Pinterest

get recipes on pinterest
get digital lazy cookbooks
Get a Free Cookbook
Subscribe now to receive our FREE Sweet & Treats digital cookbook with 15 amazing desserts inside!
a baking dish of Scalloped Potatoes with a large wooden spoon

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 from 73 votes
These homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes are so simple and delicious — you will be coming back for seconds and thirds.  
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups potatoes, about 3 pounds peeled and sliced really thin
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ tablespoon fresh thyme
  • fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Wash, dry and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin slice the potatoes very thin (⅛-inch thick).
  • In a large saucepan over medium low heat melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onions and garlic are soft.
  • Add the flour and cook 2 minutes longer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the chicken broth whisking the whole time. Next add the milk and continue whisking. Increase the heat to medium and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the ½ teaspoon of thyme and the cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.
  • Place half of the sliced potatoes in a layer in the bottom of the 9×13 prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the sauce over the top of the potatoes.
  • Next add the second layer of sliced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh thyme. Let the dish sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Yukon gold or russet potatoes are traditionally used to make scalloped potatoes. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well when baked with creamy cheese and milk.
  • Make sure the potatoes are VERY thinly sliced or you may have to increase the bake time to make sure they are soft and tender.
  • It’s best to shred the cheese yourself. Store-bought pre-shredded cheese tends to be coated in a preservative which prevents it from melting well.
  • To remove thyme leaves hold the stem by the growing end and move your fingers down toward the base stripping the little leaves off.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 391mg | Potassium: 1341mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 10mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

Get Recipes on Facebook

get recipes on facebook

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

You May Also Like

get digital lazy cookbooks

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Treena says

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! We pair these potatoes with salmon, BBQ chicken and ham. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.

  2. krissy k says

    i just has to say that i made this a few nights ago with some burgers and they turned out so amazing. i reccomend getting these prepped and in the oven before you cook anything else because it takes a bit of time to bake, but it was so worth it!

  3. Linda says

    5 stars
    I love potatoes almost any way you make them. These are headed to the top of my list. They were fantastic with brisket and were just as good or better leftover the next day. I followed the recipe exactly except for the cheese. I only had about 1/3 cup of cheddar and since it was raining too hard to go to the store, I subbed fresh grated Parmesan for the rest of the cheese. Yummy! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  4. BB says

    My son requested that I make scalloped potatoes with our brisket tomorrow night. Looks yummy! I am going to bake my potatoes the slow cooker first since I have time while the brisket smokes. I usually microwave the potatoes then slice so less time in the oven ☺️

  5. Jennifer White says

    5 stars
    I am about to make these but wondering if you can use heavy cream instead of milk?
    Cant wait to taste these! Serving em up with a smoked pork loin and green beans 😁

    • Katie Wolf says

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe !!Followed it to a tee. Only exception was replaced the cheddar cheese with aged Guyere.Fantastico

      • Elizabeth Dietz says

        5 stars
        First time trying this recipe. I halved the recipe and it turned out perfect. I baked it in my Corning casserole dish so I had to do 3 layers. Still tasty.

  6. Tami says

    How far in advance do you think these could be made? They look DELICIOUS! I would like to make them a couple of days ahead of time and put in the fridge. Do you think it will effect the consistency of the potatoes? I can’t wait to try these!

  7. Jessica says

    Planning to make this tomorrow for Christmas Eve! Can I make everything today and bake tomorrow? Or would it have to cook same day assembled? Looking to cut down on the work tomorrow! TIA

  8. Megan says

    5 stars
    My husband has declared these are the best scalloped potatoes he has ever had. Thank you! Fantastic recipe that I won’t be afraid to make for company!

    • Danielle says

      Am I the only one who always has has to cook scalloped potatoes FAR longer than the recipe calls for? Any tips? So far im going on 2 hours and not done yet.

      • Gayle says

        5 stars
        Be sure to slice very thin, and keep the foil on longer to steam the potatoes. Add more broth to ensure the sauce can cover the potatoes

  9. Julie says

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I made this for my family’s 2021 New Year’s Day meal! My family loved them! I need to make sure the potatoes are more separated next time because several of them were under cooked but the sauce was absolutely perfect and easy to make! I will definitely be making this again! Thank you!

  10. Stephanie says

    I did too much sprinkle of thyme. It was still a good recipe. I usually use Lipton’s dried onion soup like my grandmother used to make hers. Next time I am going to add some more cheese!

  11. Jeanine says

    5 stars
    Excellent. I omitted the cheddar cheese because we were out, and sprinkled parmesan on top for the last 15 minutes.

    • Sydney says

      Can I make these ahead of time and have it in the fridge overnight? And what would new baking time be? Thanks!

    • Layne Kangas says

      I haven’t tried it with almond flour, so I can’t say for sure how it would turn out or what the measurements would be. Let me know if you try it that way!

  12. Maura Lacelle says

    5 stars
    Made these scalloped potatoes for Easter dinner to go with baked ham. It was delicious and flavourful. Will be making this again. It’s a keeper, thank you..

  13. Lacey says

    5 stars
    Super yummy! I used russet potatoes rather than Yukon as I like the potatoes more on the tender side and used Romano cheese rather than the cheddar. The dish was a huge hit with the crowd!

  14. Julie H says

    5 stars
    Very good recipe. Easier than I thought it was going to be while reading the recipe. I only made 3/4 of a recipe in a round dish. There was more than enough for the 5 of us, with leftovers. It was very creamy & yummy. Thank you to your grandma!

  15. Elizabeth says

    5 stars
    Another hit! This is one of the first recipes for Scalloped Potatoes that doesn’t call for 2 sticks of butter + whole milk + heavy cream + tons of cheese. Normal amounts of butter and milk and only 1 cup of cheese and it was plenty cheesy and delicious. Thank you!

  16. Tara says

    5 stars
    The best scalloped potato recipe! This will be our second time making them and I will keep this recipe in my arsenal forevermore!

  17. Vernette says

    Do these potatoes cook up to a soft potatoe? I have made so many recipes and the potatoes always stay hard, no matter how long I cook them. Would doubling the sauce made them softer?

    • Layne Kangas says

      Hi, Vernette – you could add more sauce if you’d like but I’m not sure how much that will change the potatoes. The type of potato used and how thin you slice them would also have an impact.

    • Dianne D says

      5 stars
      Hello Vernette!
      I always have that problem also. I started boiling my potatoes for about 3-4 min and then drain , then put them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again then add my sauce to the potatoes and put in oven. Little extra step but I don’t like biting into a crunchy potato. Don’t want to boil them to long or they will get mushy and break apart. Hope this helps you!

      • Anne says

        5 stars
        Hello! I’ve made your scallop recipe before and it was, hands down, the best I’ve ever made! So thank you! I want to make it again, however, this time I’d like to prepare it a day ahead if possible. I see that you’ve said this is doable, but I’d like to know if you think it’s better prepared the day of? If so, I can wait.

  18. Katie says

    5 stars
    So good!! Hands down the best scalloped potatoes I’ve ever had and easy to make! I’ll be making these again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

  19. Helen says

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! My Mom used the layering method with potatoes, onions then dabs of butter, and covered with flour repeated then covered with hot milk so that’s what I did for the last 30 years. This is WAY better. Thanks. Made them with ham for Easter Sunday. Best ever

  20. Nancy Henry says

    5 stars
    I made a few adjustments – subtracted 1/2 cup of milk and added 1/2 cup of cheese. I drizzled a bit more milk over the top before baking. I added 10 minutes to covered baking, and added extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of uncovered baking. It was a huge hit for Easter dinner!

  21. Duane says

    5 stars
    I made these today with chicken fried steaks. I love to cook and these were the best scallop potatoes I have had. I added one jalapeño and cooked it with the onion and garlic to give it a little bite. Delicious!! Great recipe and will be making them again this winter. I cut thin but still had to cook longer, but we’ll worth the wait. Thanks

  22. Sgflug says

    5 stars
    This is way, way better than the old fashioned layering method . Delicious ! But as I served it, the sauce kind of looked curdled , but tasted great! I used more shredded cheddar than the recipe called for, I wonder if that was the problem ?

  23. Shayne Hanvy says

    5 stars
    I’ve made these a couple of times and they’re my families favorite scalloped potato recipe. However, could these be made in the crockpot?

  24. Sandy says

    Recipe sounds amazing. Similar to what I already make but never thought of using chicken stock. Will definitely give this a try and serve with ham or schnitzel or even chicken. Anything goes!!

  25. Maureen says

    5 stars
    Just made these for Christmas. They turned out perfect. Loved by all and willl make again. Served them with prime rib. Lots of cheese to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

  26. Jean says

    5 stars
    This was so good. I usually make the kind in the box but decided to try your recipe. Came out great. I put leftover ham in it and topped it with a few breadcrumbs. Delicious

  27. Fran Greathouse says

    5 stars
    I would probably add the Ham to add the protein and to serve as a main dish, but it also sounds great leaving out the ham. thanks

  28. Lisa Terry says

    5 stars
    To answer your question on what toppings I would use. I would add crumbled fryed bacon and chopped green onions.
    This recipe is delicious!

  29. Nancy Wood says

    5 stars
    Without the addition of ham these are just plain potatoes! I have always added in chunks of ham, leftovers if any, otherwise buy a piece of ham steak and cube it up, adding in before each layer. Delicious! Unless you add the ham it only deserves 4 stars😉

  30. John Agatone says

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this recipe exactly the way it is. I did this along with two burgers, no bun and green beans. Made my wife very happy and there was leftovers for two more meals.

  31. Leanne Johnston says

    5 stars
    Almost exactly like the classic recipe my mom passed down to me! Very good minus the thyme.. my husband loathes thyme! But still yummy!
    Also layer very very thinly sliced onion between potato layers

  32. Sonya Sloan says

    5 stars
    I would serve this potato recipe with Corned Beef and cabbage because this combo needs some jazzing up. Yummyumm.

  33. Kate says

    Make them Loaded Scallop Potatoes Top it all with Sour Cream, Bacon cut into small pcs.dices green onion , few jalapeño pcs., chopped , touch of Salsa, drizzle jar nacho cheese over all

  34. Kay says

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious, I would serve this with a roasted red pepper flattened chicken and garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.

  35. Lynn Robinson says

    dad has been wanting scalloped potatoes forever and there’s finally a recipe that sounds easy enuf for even me! Thanks!

  36. Barbara Wilbanks says

    5 stars
    I would add diced ham. To my family there is nothing better than scalloped potatoes and ham. This is at least a once or twice a month meal for us. Left overs are fabulous.

  37. Laurie says

    I make these extra cheezy and add fresh bacon bits, chopped green onion and more cheese on top

    Serve with ham and just about everything

  38. GayNor says

    I love this recipe for Scallopped potatoes.
    I would follow your recipe for BREAD CRUMBS
    to top off the taste on top of the dish.

  39. Janett says

    5 stars
    Hello! Made ur Vintage Scallop Potatoes for Christmas dinner as a side dish with Beef Tenderloin! So yummy and perfect!! I really enjoyed making them and the instructions were excellent. Each of my guest made comments on how tasty they were and several had second serving!! Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year!!

  40. LeeAnn says

    5 stars
    I halved this recipe as it is only my husband and myself. We both loved this! I added chopped ham and green beans to recipe, Baked for an hour. This had great flavor and easy to make. This will be on dinner rotation. Thanks for the great recipe!

  41. Kathy says

    5 stars
    These are good. Even better the next day. I chose to use half and half for extra creaminess. No problem with curdling. I used white cheddar block style (as noted) because I didn’t want it yellow on top (weird, I know). I received nice sharp knives for Xmas and that made slicing and dicing a breeze. Everyone liked them and received leftovers. I appreciated that your recipe is for a 9X13 pan; most others I looked were for half that size. Thanks!

  42. Wendy says

    5 stars
    I have always been on the hunt for a good scalloped potato recipe until I found this one! So flavourful and cheesy my family loves it. This is my go to recipe forever!

  43. Wendy Aucoin says

    5 stars
    This has got to be the best scalloped potato recipe I have ever had! It is so flavourful and my family just loves it. I serve it with a nice bone in ham. This recipe has become my family favorite hands down!

  44. Nancy says

    5 stars
    My go to scalloped potatoes recipe! Always a hit! Just curious if it would work to cook in a slow cooker?

  45. Tracy Skinner says

    Can I add peas to this. I normally add peas mixed with the potatoes, then at the last 15 minutes add polska kielbasa sausage on top, but I don’t normally add cheese to my scalloped potatoes.

  46. Pamela Falconer says

    5 stars
    The best scalloped potatoes I’ve made in a long time. The sauce was creamy and full of flavour. I added leftover ham in between the layers and broccoli on the side. Family loved it! This will now be my go to scalloped potato recipe. Thanks for sharing!

  47. Mar says

    5 stars
    Delicious! I did have to bake for 2 hours….but otherwise spot on. The cheese i had on hand was cheddar gruyere. Cannot wait to make again!

  48. Yvonne says

    5 stars
    I have made this so many time I’ve lost count. It’s the only scalloped potatoes recipe I use. It’s the best. I don’t always have fresh thyme so I use dried thyme. It’s works well. Leftovers (if there is any) are great the next day.
    .

  49. margaret evans says

    5 stars
    It was the best scallop potatoes that I have had. Made them for Easter and everyone loved them. I did had more garlic and cheese.

16108

Free Membership!

Get all our new recipes straight to

your inbox plus a BONUS

download in your first email! ❤