Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is creamy, just like grandma used to make with a luscious creamy sauce and fork-tender potatoes.
Pair this delicious scalloped potato recipe with a delicious steak, meatloaf or grilled pork chops for an unforgettable dinner.
If you’re looking for the best side dish to pair with any holiday, like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these cheesy potatoes are where it’s at!
What Is The Difference Between Au Gratin And Scalloped Potatoes?
It seems that over the years, the Scalloped Potato and Au Gratin Potato dish have become almost identical in nature with just a few slight variances.
- Scalloped Potatoes is a thinly sliced potato, primarily cooked in a cream sauce, sometimes contains cheese and is always topped with a bread crumb topping.
- Au Gratin Potatoes is a thinly sliced potato, sometimes cooked in a cream sauce, always contains cheese and sometimes has a bread crumb topping.
Since my recipe contains thinly sliced potatoes, a cream sauce (made lighter by using milk instead of cream), cheese (hello!) but does not have a bread crumb topping, I’m declaring this recipe to be Scalloped in nature.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cheese and a creamy sauce filled with garlic and thyme are baked until bubbly and then broiled for a nice crispy top.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make these scalloped potatoes. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.
- Potatoes – Yukon gold potatoes are perfect because you don’t have to peel them!
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Milk
- Chicken Broth
- All Purpose Flour
- Cheese – both cheddar and parmesan
- Herbs
How To Make Scalloped Potatoes
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making homemade scalloped potatoes. It’s actually quite easy and the results will impress you.
SLICE POTATOES
Start by thinly slicing your potatoes. I love to use my Mandoline Slicer for an even slice, plus it takes a fraction of the time slicing by hand takes.
MAKE ROUX / SAUCE
Melt some butter in a skillet and sauté the onions and garlic until tender and fragrant.
Whisk in some flour to form a roux, then whisk in milk and chicken broth. Season with fresh thyme, salt and pepper.
LAYER POTATOES
Place a layer sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13″ casserole dish and cover with half of the white creamy sauce and half of the shredded cheeses. Make sure to season generously with salt, pepper and herbs.
Repeat the process of adding another layer of potatoes, sauce and cheese then cover the pan tightly with foil and bake.
What Type of Potato for Scalloped Potatoes?
You could easily use a baking potato for this recipe, but my all time favorite are the Yukon Golds.
- The skins on the Yukon Gold potatoes are so thin, that there is no need for peeling, meaning we can skip that arduous task and go right to slicing.
- Gold potatoes also have a creamy, soft texture to them, making them perfect for baking in the cream mixture.
Scalloped Potato Tips and FAQ:
Can I Slice Potatoes The Day Before?
You can definitely slice the potatoes a day ahead of time, but you’ll want to place the sliced potatoes in a bag or container and cover with cold water to prevent too much browning. I would only do this up to the day before.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
YES! Simply bake the Scalloped Potatoes as directed in the recipe below, let cool completely, cover with foil and refrigerate up to 3 days.
How Long Does It Take To Reheat Scalloped Potatoes?
To reheat, place in a 350 degree F oven, covered, for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
You betcha! I love the flavor of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, but you can use flavorful, melty cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, fontina or gruyere.
Can I Use Different Seasonings?
Of course! I love the fresh flavor of thyme, but a parsley, cilantro or even rosemary would work great in these potatoes. If you’re not into the green herbs, feel free to leave it out!
Can I Freeze Scalloped Potatoes?
Unfortunately, no. I do not think this recipe would work well being frozen. The cream sauce and potatoes would not have the best texture once baked after frozen.
What To Serve With Scalloped Potatoes?
You really can’t go wrong with these cheesy potatoes! Serve them with any of these delicious main dishes for a comfort meal that’ll blow you away.
More Easy Potato Recipes:
Looking for more recipe inspiration for those taters? Here are some more delicious favorites-
I know you’re going to love this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and sliced about 1/4″ thick
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, 2% preferred
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9″ x 13″ with non-stick spray and add half of the sliced potatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion and garlic until onions are tender and garlic is fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour until thick, then gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep whisking until mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper and fresh thyme.
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Top the sliced potatoes with half of the cream mixture, then top with half of the sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with more potatoes, the rest of the cream mixture and the rest of the shredded cheeses.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes. Turn the top broiler on for the last 3 to 5 minutes to brown the top if desired.
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Let the potatoes sit for at least 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken up before slicing and serving. Enjoy!