Creamy Scalloped Potatoes That Melt in Your Mouth Every Time
There’s something magical about the smell of butter, cream, and tender potatoes baking in the oven. It’s the kind of aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen, waiting for that first golden, bubbling bite. If you’ve ever found yourself craving the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main course, these creamy scalloped potatoes might just be it. They’re rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying — like a warm hug straight from your oven. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, this timeless dish always earns a place at the table.
What Are Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?
If you’re wondering what makes creamy scalloped potatoes so special, it’s all in the layers. Imagine thin slices of potato bathed in a velvety cream sauce, baked until they’re soft inside and slightly crisp around the edges. The sauce is thickened just enough to cling to each slice, creating that perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.
Some people mix up scalloped potatoes with au gratin, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. While au gratin includes cheese between every layer, scalloped potatoes rely on cream and seasoning for flavor — though a touch of cheddar or parmesan never hurts if you’re feeling indulgent. The result is a smooth, buttery dish that feels homemade, hearty, and endlessly adaptable.
You’ll see these potatoes served alongside ham, turkey, or even roast chicken during Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. But honestly, they’re too good to save for holidays. Once you’ve tasted this version, you’ll want it on your weeknight rotation too.
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Total Time: PT80M
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender layered potatoes baked in a rich, velvety cream sauce with buttery edges and a golden crust — the ultimate comfort side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or gruyère (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour until smooth, and gradually add milk and cream. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer potato slices evenly, pour sauce over each layer, and repeat until all potatoes are used. Top with extra sauce and optional cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake 25 minutes more until golden and tender. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best results, use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon before layering. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT65M
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredients & Equipment: What You Need for the Best Results
Getting the perfect texture and flavor starts with choosing the right ingredients. Every component matters — from the type of potato to the dairy you use.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or gruyère (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Equipment
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a medium saucepan, a whisk, and something sharp to slice the potatoes. A mandoline slicer works best if you want perfectly even layers that cook evenly.
If you’re ever tempted to rush the slicing, don’t. Uniform thickness helps each layer cook at the same rate, keeping your sauce creamy rather than watery. Yukon Gold potatoes are slightly waxy, which means they hold their shape and absorb the sauce beautifully. Russets, on the other hand, yield a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture — both work wonderfully, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Baking Instructions
Make the Cream Sauce
Start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, whisk in the flour until smooth — that’s your roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly so the sauce thickens without clumping. When it coats the back of a spoon, stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy and fragrant. That’s when you know it’s ready.
Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter your baking dish, then spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom. Add one layer of potato slices, overlapping them slightly like shingles on a roof. Pour more sauce on top and, if you’d like, sprinkle a bit of cheese. Repeat until you’ve used up all the potatoes and sauce, ending with a generous layer of sauce on top.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking another 25 minutes or so, until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble. When you can slide a knife easily through the center, they’re done. Let them rest 10 minutes before serving — the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
If you love a crispy finish, place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. The top will caramelize beautifully, giving you that perfect golden crust.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
Whether you’re cooking for guests with dietary preferences or simply lightening things up, there are easy swaps that don’t compromise on flavor.
Vegan
Swap the butter for vegan margarine and the milk and cream for oat milk or cashew cream. Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for richness. The creamy texture stays just as satisfying — no dairy required.
Gluten-Free
Replace the flour in the roux with cornstarch or a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to whisk constantly while thickening to avoid lumps. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Low-Calorie
You can make this dish lighter by using 2% milk instead of heavy cream and reducing the butter to 2 tablespoons. Skip the cheese or use a reduced-fat version, and add flavor with herbs like rosemary or chives.
Halal
Simply omit any non-halal additions like bacon crumbles, or substitute with turkey bacon or smoked halal sausage. The creamy base and potatoes themselves remain fully compliant.
No matter which variation you try, the result stays deliciously comforting — just tailored to your own lifestyle and pantry.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
The beauty of creamy scalloped potatoes is how well they hold up. You can prepare them a day in advance and simply reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead
Assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as usual. This approach is perfect for busy holiday prep.
Storage
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve that creamy texture. Avoid freezing if you can — dairy sauces tend to separate after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dish in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes until hot. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps bring back that fresh-baked crispness on top.
There’s something timeless about a casserole dish filled with creamy scalloped potatoes, bubbling away until the kitchen smells like home. It’s more than a side dish — it’s a memory maker, a comfort food that belongs at every table. Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it, this dish never fails to deliver that cozy, melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. So next time you’re planning a family meal, you’ll know exactly what deserves the spotlight.
FAQ
What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are baked in a creamy milk or cream sauce, while au gratin potatoes include cheese in the layers and often on top. Both are delicious, but creamy scalloped potatoes focus more on the velvety sauce than cheesy flavor.
Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate it unbaked. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This trick saves time during busy holiday meals.
Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?
If your sauce turns out thin, it usually means the potatoes released too much moisture or the sauce wasn’t thickened enough before baking. Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds or Russets, and make sure your cream sauce coats the spoon before layering.
Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes?
You can freeze them, but the texture may change since dairy sauces can separate. For the best results, refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them within four days.
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