Best Scalloped Potatoes Ever: A Rich and Creamy Classic Side Dish 🧀🥔
When it comes to timeless comfort food, Scalloped Potatoes reign supreme. Baked to golden perfection, layered with tender slices of potato, and enveloped in a buttery, cheesy, and creamy sauce, this dish is a beloved staple at holiday tables, Sunday dinners, and potlucks alike. These are the best scalloped potatoes you’ll ever make — rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
🧄 Why These Scalloped Potatoes Stand Out
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned
✔️ Made with simple ingredients found in every kitchen
✔️ Crispy top with soft, melt-in-your-mouth layers
✔️ Perfect for Thanksgiving, Easter, or weeknight dinners
✔️ Make-ahead friendly and easy to reheat
📝 Ingredients for the Best Scalloped Potatoes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets, thinly sliced) | 4 cups |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 dash (optional) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Grated cheese (cheddar or blend) | ½ cup |
| Paprika | For color/garnish |
Tip: For best results, use a mandoline to get even, thin potato slices.
🍽️ How to Make Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch
🔹 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly butter a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash, peel (if desired), and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better layering and texture.
🔹 Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually add 1½ cups of milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Stir in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Pro Tip: For even richer flavor, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
🔹 Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layer, spreading it with a spoon or spatula.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Top with ½ cup grated cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for a golden finish and subtle flavor.
🔹 Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
🧀 Optional Additions & Variations
- Caramelized onions – layer in for sweetness and depth
- Minced garlic – sauté with the roux for extra flavor
- Bacon crumbles – for a smoky, savory twist
- Gruyère or Parmesan cheese – elevate the flavor profile
- Fresh thyme or rosemary – add herbs to the cheese sauce
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These scalloped potatoes are the perfect side for:
🥩 Prime rib or roast beef
🍖 Glazed ham
🍗 Roast chicken or turkey
🥬 Grilled vegetables or green beans
🍷 A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a weeknight comfort meal, these scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show.
❄️ Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
🧊 To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
❄️ To Freeze:
- Assemble the dish but do not bake.
- Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking instructions.
🔁 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes! Substitute up to half of the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-rich version.
❓ Should I peel the potatoes?
That’s up to you. Yukon Golds have thin skins and don’t require peeling. Russets are better peeled for a smoother texture.
❓ Can I add meat to make it a main dish?
Absolutely. Try adding ham, shredded chicken, or cooked ground sausage between layers.
❓ How do I make it gluten-free?
Replace flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Perfect for special occasions or simple family dinners
- Great reheated for leftovers or meal prep
- Classic, timeless, and always a crowd-pleaser
This dish brings back memories of family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy dinners — and now, it’s your turn to pass down the tradition with this perfectly cheesy scalloped potato recipe.