Description
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, these Easy Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of side dish everyone reaches for first. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a rich homemade cheese sauce and baked until tender with a golden bubbly top. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, cozy family meals, potlucks, and easy dinner ideas when you want something warm and satisfying. Whether you need a comforting side dish, a make-ahead casserole, or classic food ideas for gatherings, these homemade scalloped potatoes deliver rich flavor with simple ingredients. The creamy texture and cheesy layers make this recipe one of the best comfort food favorites for any season.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes evenly. Place them in cold water while preparing the sauce, then drain and pat dry.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
6. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Add the salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
8. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Arrange a layer of potatoes in the prepared baking dish and spoon some cheese sauce over the top.
10. Repeat the layering process until all potatoes and sauce are used, finishing with extra cheese on top.
11. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the top becomes golden and bubbly.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate during baking.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving so the sauce thickens properly and the layers hold together better.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg