Scalloped Potatoes

Name: Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
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; 2 cups milk; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup cheddar cheese, (grated); ½ teaspoon thyme; salt and pepper, (to taste); ½ tablespoon fresh thyme; fresh thyme (for garnish)

These homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes are so simple and delicious — you will be coming back for seconds and thirds.

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Table of Contents

What are Scalloped Potatoes?
Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
Which potatoes are best to use for scalloped potatoes?
How To Make Scalloped Potatoes
What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
How to Serve the Best Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Storage
Your Family Will Love this Recipe for Scalloped Potatoes
Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQ
More Recipes You’ll Love
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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?

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 butter
½ cup diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper
½ teaspoon thyme
½ tablespoon fresh thyme
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Fresh thyme for garnish

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

HAM: Add 2 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 2 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 it 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.

MORE POTATO RECIPES

Side Dishes

Campfire Potatoes

Casserole Ideas

Cheesy Potato Casserole

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 go 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 in the oven or microwave.

Your Family Will Love this Recipe for Scalloped Potatoes

These layered scalloped potatoes are a simple classic that’s full of satisfying sliced potatoes, 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 3 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 2/3 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

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 from 63 votes

These homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes are so simple and delicious — you will be coming back for seconds and thirds.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Servings

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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
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
½ teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper, to taste
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

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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!

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Homemade Scalloped Potatoes