Scalloped Potatoes 🥔🧀✨
There’s a reason Scalloped Potatoes have remained a beloved comfort-food classic for generations. Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered in a rich…

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Ingredients
Instructions
- This classic recipe is surprisingly simple.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Heat until warm but not boiling.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes.
- The top should be golden and the potatoes fork-tender.
- Allow the potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- This helps the sauce thicken.
There’s a reason Scalloped Potatoes have remained a beloved comfort-food classic for generations. Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until perfectly tender create a side dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Add a touch of cheddar cheese, buttery goodness, and garlic, and you have a recipe that steals the spotlight at every dinner table.
Whether you’re serving these potatoes for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a cozy family meal, they always disappear quickly. The creamy layers, golden top, and incredible aroma make this dish absolutely irresistible.
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Why You’ll Love These Scalloped Potatoes
This recipe is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and rich flavor.
Creamy and Comforting
Every bite is loaded with velvety cream and tender potatoes.
Perfect Holiday Side Dish
Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings.
Easy to Prepare
Simple ingredients with impressive results.
Rich Garlic Flavor
Just enough garlic to enhance every layer.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
Everyone loves homemade scalloped potatoes.
What Do Scalloped Potatoes Taste Like?
These potatoes are rich, creamy, buttery, and incredibly tender. The Yukon Gold potatoes become soft and velvety while soaking up the cream, garlic, and melted cheese.
The top develops a beautiful golden crust while the inside stays luxuriously creamy.
Benefits of Making Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
Simple Pantry Ingredients
No complicated ingredients required.
Great Make-Ahead Dish
Prepare ahead and bake when needed.
Versatile Side Dish
Pairs with almost any main course.
Family-Friendly
A guaranteed crowd favorite.
Ingredients for Scalloped Potatoes
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Customize these potatoes to suit your taste.
Cheese Options
Try:
- Gruyère
- Parmesan
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss cheese
Optional Add-Ins
Add:
- Crispy bacon
- Diced onions
- Fresh thyme
- Chopped chives
Potato Variations
You can also use:
- Russet potatoes
- Red potatoes
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
This classic recipe is surprisingly simple.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
Heat until warm but not boiling.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 5: Remove Foil and Continue Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes.
The top should be golden and the potatoes fork-tender.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow the potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the sauce thicken.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
These creamy potatoes pair beautifully with:
Main Dish Pairings
- Ham
- Roast chicken
- Prime rib
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Turkey
Vegetable Sides
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garden salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
General Information
Scalloped potatoes have long been a staple of comfort-food cooking. Traditionally made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream, they remain one of the most requested side dishes for holidays and family dinners.
The addition of cheddar cheese creates an extra layer of richness while maintaining the classic creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Conclusion
These Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort-food side dish. Creamy layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, rich garlic cream, and melted cheddar cheese come together to create a dish that’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, these potatoes are guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this creamy classic too!
You May Also Enjoy
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Funeral Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Browns 🥔🧀✨
Tips for Success
Slice Potatoes Evenly
Uniform slices cook more consistently.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes
Their creamy texture works perfectly.
Don’t Rush the Baking
Slow baking creates tender layers.
Let Them Rest
The sauce thickens as the dish cools slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are traditionally cream-based, while au gratin potatoes typically contain more cheese throughout.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may need additional baking time, especially if sliced thicker.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be less rich.
Do I need to peel Yukon Gold potatoes?
Peeling is optional; their thin skins are quite tender.
