Heavenly Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Creamy Comfort Perfection

Creamy scalloped potatoes deliver comfort on chilly nights like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestle between rich, velvety cheese sauce that promises pure indulgence.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a magical harmony in every forkful.

Fresh herbs can elevate this classic dish from good to extraordinary.

Simple ingredients combine to make something truly spectacular that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked love and culinary tradition.

Jump into this recipe and experience potato perfection that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Why Scalloped Potatoes Are a Timeless Side

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Experience a harmonious blend of rich, garlicky cream, earthy thyme, and sharp Parmesan cheese that transforms humble potatoes into a luxurious side dish. Every bite promises a mouthwatering combination that will impress family and guests alike.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevate your meal with this adaptable recipe that complements various main courses, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables. Whether it's a casual family dinner or a special holiday gathering, these scalloped potatoes add a touch of elegance to any table.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare most components in advance, giving you flexibility and reducing last-minute cooking stress. Slice potatoes ahead of time and assemble the dish quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creating creamy and tender layers.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the potatoes.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base for the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides a smooth coating for the baking dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the layers.

• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful ingredient that infuses the cream.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the creamy potato dish.

How to Bake Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Unleash Flavor Infusion

Pour heavy cream into a medium saucepan.

• Minced garlic cloves
• Dried thyme

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Let the cream become hot and aromatic, allowing the herbs and garlic to dance and release their magical essence.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Canvas

Grab russet potatoes and transform them into delicate medallions.

Use a mandoline slicer to create uniform slices approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Keep potato slices in cold water to prevent browning if preparing in advance.

Pat dry before assembling.

Step 3: Create Buttery Foundation

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Generously butter a baking dish.

Begin crafting layers of potato slices, slightly overlapping each piece.

• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Pour hot cream mixture between layers, ensuring every potato slice gets a luxurious bath.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.

Potatoes should become tender and sauce bubbly.

Remove foil during final 10 minutes to create a golden, crispy top.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After removing from oven, let dish rest for 10 minutes.

This pause allows sauce to thicken and potatoes to settle.

Serve and watch everyone swoon over this creamy, cheesy delight.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Potato Layers

• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to halt oxidation, then thoroughly pat dry before layering in the dish.
• Gently heat cream with garlic and thyme, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling and maintain smooth sauce consistency.
• Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
• Generously sprinkle Parmesan on the top layer and uncover during final baking minutes for a crispy, beautifully browned surface.
• Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps sauce thicken and makes serving easier with clean, neat portions.

Storage and Reheating Scalloped Potatoes

• Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen scalloped potatoes can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Be cautious to avoid overcooking and separating the sauce.

Best Pairings for Scalloped Potatoes

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the scalloped potatoes. The wine's acidity cuts through the dish's richness while enhancing its complex garlic and thyme notes.
• Create Protein Balance: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or sliced rosemary-infused pork tenderloin. These lean proteins provide a perfect counterpoint to the potatoes' creamy texture and help create a well-rounded meal.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the dish's heaviness. Mixed greens with lemon-dijon dressing will introduce refreshing acidity and provide a light counterbalance to the rich, cheesy potatoes.
• Elevate with Green Vegetables: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest as a side dish. These green vegetables add nutritional value and a fresh, vibrant element that cuts through the potatoes' decadent profile.

Tasty Variations on Classic Scalloped Potatoes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower, maintaining the same cream and cheese layering technique for a keto-friendly alternative that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version that still delivers rich, comforting flavors.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Incorporate fresh rosemary, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan, adding a Greek-inspired twist to the classic scalloped potato recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Mix in diced green chiles, sprinkle smoked paprika between layers, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired interpretation of the traditional dish.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They work well, but russet potatoes provide the best texture and absorb the cream sauce most effectively.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a lighter version, use 2% milk, but the final dish won’t be as indulgent.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?

Generously butter the dish before layering the potatoes. This creates a non-stick surface and adds extra flavor to the bottom of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, layered Scalloped Potatoes deliver comfort from oven to plate with rich, cheesy goodness. Sliced potatoes nestled between velvety sauce invite you to savor each delectable, hearty bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled, cleaned, and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 to 1 cup (75–100 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Cooking Base:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Infuse the cream mixture by gently heating heavy cream with minced garlic and dried thyme over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the aromatic flavors to meld without bringing the cream to a boil.
2. Prepare the potatoes by carefully slicing russet potatoes into uniform, thin sections using a mandoline for precision. To prevent discoloration, temporarily submerge sliced potatoes in cold water, then thoroughly pat dry before assembly.
3. Generously butter a baking dish, creating a foundation for the layered potato creation. Arrange potato slices in overlapping, slightly tilted rows to ensure even coverage and consistent cooking.
4. Season each potato layer with a delicate sprinkle of kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the warmed cream mixture methodically, ensuring each potato slice is elegantly coated.
5. Repeat the layering process, building 3-4 strategic tiers of potatoes, cheese, and cream. Reserve extra Parmesan for the top layer to achieve a golden, crispy surface.
6. Seal the dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the sauce to bubble enthusiastically.
7. During the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to encourage a rich, caramelized top. Monitor closely to prevent excessive browning, using foil as a protective shield if needed.
8. After removing from the oven, let the dish rest for 10 minutes. This crucial waiting period allows the sauce to thicken and stabilize, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
9. Serve the scalloped potatoes directly from the baking dish, revealing layers of perfectly cooked, cheese-enhanced potato perfection.

Notes

• Infuse cream gently by heating garlic and thyme slowly to maximize flavor depth without burning delicate ingredients.
• Prevent potato oxidation by storing sliced potatoes in cold water, ensuring they remain white and fresh before cooking.
• Create consistent texture by using a mandoline for uniform potato slices, guaranteeing even cooking and professional presentation.
• Enhance crispy top layer by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese and removing foil during final baking stage to achieve golden-brown perfection.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg