When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy dish of scalloped potatoes. This Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will take your taste buds on a savory journey with each decadent bite. The golden, bubbly topping combined with layers of tender potatoes creates a delightful texture that’s sure to impress your family and friends at your next family gathering. Fun fact: Did you know scalloped potatoes are often considered a vintage dish that has remained popular for generations? Their simplicity and rich taste make them a staple at dinner tables across America.

Comparatively, bloggers often rave about dishes like potato gratin or creamy mashed potatoes, but there’s something about the rustic charm of scalloped potatoes that just hits differently. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll soon discover why this recipe is a timeless classic!

What is the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

Now, onto the burning question: where did the name “scalloped” come from? Some say it’s a playful take on the method of slicing the potatoes in a circular shape, resembling scallops! Yes, aside from being delicious, this dish has a fun story behind it. Often dubbed “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” these layers of goodness make it the perfect dish to win over anyone. So, gather your loved ones and challenge them to a taste test—who can critically analyze the creamy layers the best?

Why You’ll Love This Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

So, why exactly should this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe be on your dinner table? First off, it shines as a main dish with its rich, comforting flavors that can make any meal feel special. Plus, cooking at home is a fantastic way to save money while still enjoying delicious home-cooked meals that would otherwise be expensive at restaurants.

Finally, the rich, cheesy topping is second to none. With a simple combination of cheese, cream, and seasoning, you have a flavor profile that rivals even the most extravagant fare. If you think you love garlic mashed potatoes, just wait until you indulge in this creamy goodness! So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Quick Overview

Making scalloped potatoes is a breeze! In just about an hour, you’ll have a rich, creamy dish on your table, filled with layers of velvety potato slices cooked to perfection. The secret? Slow baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping a satisfying texture that is both creamy and indulgent.

Key Ingredients for the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice, even bake for your scalloped potatoes.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Using your butter, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial for preventing sticking!
Layer the Potatoes: Start layering your thinly sliced potatoes in the dish. Season each layer with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush this part; your meticulous layering will pay off with wonderful texture.
Add Onion and Garlic: Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the layered potatoes, enhancing the flavor at each bite.
Pour the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Then, pour this mixture evenly over the potato layers, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top, allowing it to melt beautifully as it bakes.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, revealing a creamy interior.
Cool and Serve: Allow your dish to cool slightly before serving. This will help the layers settle, ensuring beautiful slices.

Top Tips for Perfecting Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like russets for a creamy texture; waxy potatoes won’t hold up as well.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, whether it’s sharp cheddar for a sharper kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Cook Time Cautions: Always check for doneness; your scalloped potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy. If you find they are browning too quickly, cover with foil and extend the cooking time.
Layering Technique: Ensure that each potato slice is slightly overlapping, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If you want to freeze them, cool completely, and then store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When reheating directly from the freezer, expect it to take longer. The creamy texture will remain intact, giving you a delightful dish that tastes just as great as the day it was made!

With this Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, you’ll create memories filled with delicious flavors and warm gatherings. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!

Scalloped Potatoes

A creamy, cheesy dish of scalloped potatoes with golden, bubbly topping and layers of tender potatoes, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Course Comfort Food, main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using butter, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the layered potatoes.
Whisk the heavy cream with salt and pepper in a mixing bowl, then pour over the potato layers.
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to help the layers settle.

Notes

For best results, use starchy russet potatoes and adjust cheese types to your liking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Keyword baked potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Potato Recipe, scalloped potatoes, Side dish