If you are seeking that comforting, rich side dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile, look no further than this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Silky layers of thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce made from butter, onions, garlic, and a perfect blend of milk and chicken broth come together to create a timeless classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tenderness and creaminess, making this dish an unbeatable accompaniment to any hearty meal or a star all on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Every component plays a vital role, from the creamy base that envelops the potatoes to the seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatic onions and garlic for a flavor foundation.
- Large yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth, lifting the creaminess with its gentle bite.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides a subtle punch that enhances the overall savory profile.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Milk: The heart of the creamy sauce, lending smoothness and moisture to every potato slice.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and prevents the sauce from becoming overly heavy.
- Salt (1 ¼ teaspoon, divided): Essential for seasoning; added progressively to balance flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, divided): Brings a subtle heat and enhances the savory nature of the dish.
- Yukon gold potatoes (3 pounds, sliced about â…›-inch thick): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor are ideal, but red potatoes can be used too (see notes).
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a casserole dish lightly with butter to prevent sticking. This small but important step ensures an easy release of your scalloped potatoes after baking, making your serving process seamless and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions and infuses the butter with a fragrant warmth that will boost the flavor of your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Cream Sauce
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring constantly, cooking the mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with half of the salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. This silky sauce is the star of your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the greased casserole dish. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, spreading it to cover evenly. Repeat the layering process, alternating potatoes and sauce, finishing with a generous pour of sauce on top. This layering technique guarantees every slice soaks up that delicious creaminess.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a beautiful touch of color and a fresh note that balances the richness of the dish. For extra indulgence, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese melted on top before serving can take these scalloped potatoes to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, soaking up the savory juices perfectly. It also complements roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter finish, making it versatile enough for both hearty family dinners and festive occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in cute ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties, or create a layered potato bake with alternating colorful veggies like sweet potatoes or zucchini for a fun twist. You can even add crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions between layers to surprise your guests with bursts of flavor as they dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Creamy scalloped potatoes will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their comforting texture or flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the scalloped potatoes into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent the sauce from separating on reheating, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge before baking again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as the crispy top can become soggy or the creamy sauce might separate.
FAQs
Can I use other potatoes besides Yukon gold?
Absolutely! Red potatoes or even Russets can be used, but Yukon golds are preferred because they hold their shape well while delivering that buttery, creamy texture essential for scalloped potatoes.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, you can simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
About ⅛-inch thick slices work best—they cook evenly and absorb the cream sauce perfectly without becoming mushy.
Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding cheese like Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan between the layers or on top enhances richness and creates a deliciously melty crust.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The prep time is roughly 25 minutes, including slicing potatoes and sautéing aromatics, with about 80 minutes baking time to achieve that perfect tender and golden finish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s one of those classic dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy enough to make ahead and always impresses with its luscious flavor and silky texture. So go ahead, grab some Yukon golds, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a timeless, creamy delight!
Print
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting classic, Scalloped Potatoes are thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with onions, garlic, milk, and chicken broth. Perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe yields tender, flavorful layers baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
For the Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes), sliced about â…›-inch thick
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and set it aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper during cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Arrange a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour a portion of the sauce over the potatoes to cover them. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce, finishing with a sauce layer on top. Use all the potatoes and sauce evenly distributed.
- Season Top and Cover: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the top layer for balanced seasoning. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 80 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling. Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes can allow the top to brown slightly if desired.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm as a delicious accompaniment to your meal.
Notes
- You can use red potatoes as an alternative to Yukon gold potatoes, but Yukon gold offers a creamier texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Make sure to slice potatoes uniformly about â…› inch thick for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
