These homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe are the perfect blend of creaminess and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or as a comforting weeknight side dish, these scalloped potatoes will be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and again. The rich flavor from the cheddar cheese combined with the tender potatoes makes this recipe truly standout.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of cheddar cheese and creamy sauce brings unparalleled flavor to every bite.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair these scalloped potatoes with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these scalloped potatoes fit right in.
Comfort Food Classic: Rich, creamy, and filled with nostalgia, this dish is sure to warm your heart.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin your Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick spray: Prevents the potatoes from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy serving.
Mandolin slicer: Guarantees evenly sliced potatoes for uniform cooking.
Large saucepan: Ideal for melting butter and combining ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

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

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)

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, dry, and peel the potatoes.
Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes very thin (⅛-inch thick).

Step 3: Cook Onion and Garlic

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until soft.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the saucepan; cook for an additional two minutes.
Lower the heat; gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously.
Add milk while whisking until smooth. Increase heat to medium, stirring constantly until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Cheese and Thyme

Remove from heat; stir in thyme and cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 6: Layer Potatoes in Baking Pan

Place half of the sliced potatoes in a layer at the bottom of your prepared pan.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top.

Step 7: Finish Layering

Add another layer of sliced potatoes; season with salt and pepper again.
Pour remaining sauce over this second layer; sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Step 8: Bake

Cover with foil; bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil; bake an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Remove from oven; garnish with fresh thyme.
Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade scalloped potatoes!

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Serving scalloped potatoes can elevate any meal, adding a creamy and cheesy touch to your table. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish.

Family Style

Serve the scalloped potatoes straight from the baking dish for a cozy family dinner. Let everyone help themselves for a comforting experience.

Individual Portions

For a more elegant presentation, scoop the scalloped potatoes into individual ramekins. This is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

With a Salad

Pair the dish with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the potatoes. A light vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.

As a Side Dish

These scalloped potatoes make an excellent side for roasted meats or grilled vegetables. They enhance the flavors of your main course while adding texture.

Leftover Creativity

Use leftover scalloped potatoes in a breakfast hash. Just add some eggs and sauté with your favorite veggies for a hearty brunch option.

How to Perfect Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

To achieve the ultimate scalloped potatoes, follow these expert tips for perfecting your recipe every time.

Use starchy potatoes: Opt for russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Their high starch content makes for creamier results.
Slice evenly: Ensure all potato slices are uniform in thickness, ideally ⅛-inch thick, for consistent cooking throughout the dish.
Layer properly: Alternate layers of potatoes and cheese sauce without skimping on either. This ensures that every bite is rich and flavorful.
Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set up and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their creamy texture and flavor. Here are some great options:

Roasted Chicken: A juicy, herb-marinated roasted chicken provides a savory contrast that enhances the meal.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a fresh crunch that’s perfect alongside rich scalloped potatoes.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of honey-glazed carrots balances out the creaminess of the potatoes.
Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli offers a vibrant color and slight bitterness that works well with cheesy dishes.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispy romaine and tangy dressing to cut through the richness of your meal.
Baked Ham: The smoky flavor of baked ham complements the cheesy goodness of scalloped potatoes beautifully, making them an ideal pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your scalloped potatoes recipe, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the perfect dish.

Incorrect Potato Thickness: Slicing the potatoes too thick will result in uneven cooking. Aim for ⅛-inch thickness for optimal results.
Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season between layers can lead to bland potatoes. Always add salt and pepper at each layer.
Overcooking the Sauce: Cooking the sauce too long can make it too thick or clumpy. Stir until just thickened, then remove from heat.
Not Letting it Rest: Cutting into the dish immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can result in a lackluster flavor. Use fresh, high-quality cheddar for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Place cooled scalloped potatoes in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

A scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream or cheese sauce. It’s known for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

How do I make my Scalloped Potatoes Recipe creamier?

To achieve extra creaminess, you can add more cheese or use heavy cream instead of milk in your sauce.

Can I prepare this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble your scalloped potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking.

What type of potatoes are best for a Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best as they hold their shape while becoming tender during baking.

Final Thoughts

This scalloped potatoes recipe is not only creamy and cheesy but also easy to customize with your favorite herbs or additional cheeses. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, these delicious scalloped potatoes will surely impress your guests. Give them a try and enjoy the warmth they bring to your table!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic. Perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to holiday feasts—this dish is bound to impress. With layers of tender potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a velvety sauce, it’s an ideal side that pairs beautifully with meats or can stand alone as a satisfying meal. The straightforward preparation ensures that even novice cooks can create this heartwarming dish. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making these scalloped potatoes time and again!

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
Using a mandolin slicer, slice the peeled potatoes into thin rounds.
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
Stir in the flour and cook for two minutes before gradually adding chicken broth and milk while whisking until smooth.
Season the sauce with thyme, salt, and pepper, then mix in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking pan, season with salt and pepper, then pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American