How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: A Simple Guide
Scalloped potatoes are one of those dishes that feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just because you love potatoes, this creamy and comforting side dish is bound to be a winner. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make creamy scalloped potatoes step by step—the simple way. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off!
What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce until they’re soft, golden, and delicious. They’re rich, cheesy (if you choose to add cheese), and incredibly satisfying. Perfect alongside roast chicken, ham, or vegetables, they pair beautifully with almost any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for basic scalloped potatoes:
- Potatoes: Start with about 2 pounds of starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds. These work best because they become soft and tender when baked.
- Butter: You’ll need 2–3 tablespoons for the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: 1–2 cloves minced or grated for flavor (optional but recommended).
- Flour: 2–3 tablespoons to thicken the sauce.
- Milk: About 2 cups of whole milk for creaminess. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream if you want it extra rich!
- Cheese (optional): 1–2 cups shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for added flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously for the perfect balance.
- Paprika or Nutmeg (optional): For a little extra spice or warmth.
- Parsley or Chives (optional): Fresh herbs for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the easy process of making scalloped potatoes.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your dish will bake evenly and be ready to go once you’ve prepared everything.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel your potatoes, then slice them into thin, even rounds—about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for this if you have one, but a sharp knife works just fine. Thin slices are important because they cook faster and absorb the creamy sauce better.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir continuously. This creates a roux, which helps thicken your sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking it into the butter and flour mixture. Keep stirring so the sauce becomes smooth and lump-free. After a few minutes, it should start to thicken. Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices like paprika or nutmeg. If you’re using cheese, stir in about half the shredded cheese at this stage until it melts into the sauce.
Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed—it should be creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!
4. Layer the Potatoes
Grease a baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) with a little butter or cooking spray. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers on the bottom. Once you’ve covered the bottom of the dish, pour some of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process: potatoes, sauce, potatoes, sauce, until everything is used up. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a little between the layers too.
Finish the top layer with extra sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a golden, bubbly topping.
5. Bake the Dish
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes. Taking the foil off allows the top to brown and become crispy.
Check if the potatoes are done by inserting a knife or fork—if it slides through easily, they’re ready! If the sauce looks too loose, don’t worry; it thickens as it cools.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the scalloped potatoes cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to set and makes the slices easier to serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for a silky texture.
- Slice evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Potatoes need seasoning, so go heavy with salt and pepper!
- Make it cheesy: Cheese is optional, but adding cheddar or Gruyère takes the dish to the next level.
Why Everyone Loves Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are creamy, rich, and packed with comforting flavors. Plus, they’re versatile—you can customize them with ham, bacon, or vegetables for a heartier dish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular weeknight, scalloped potatoes make every meal feel special.
So, there you have it! Scalloped potatoes don’t have to be complicated, and with these simple steps, you can create a dish that’s worthy of a chef. Try it at home today—you’ll probably end up adding it to your list of go-to recipes.
Happy cooking!
