This easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy, garlicky sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. A perfect comfort food side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, or weeknight meals!

Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

When it comes to cozy, comforting side dishes, Scalloped Potatoes are hard to beat. This timeless recipe layers tender slices of potato in a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of cheese. The result is a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—perfect alongside roasted meats, ham, chicken, or even a simple salad.

Scalloped potatoes often grace holiday dinner tables, especially for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but they’re so simple and delicious that they deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation, too. They’re also highly versatile—you can keep them classic, add cheese for an au gratin twist, or mix in herbs and spices for extra depth.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping comfort food for the week, this scalloped potatoes recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Comforting – The perfect indulgent side dish.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples.
Versatile – Dress it up with cheese, herbs, or extra veggies.
Perfect for Holidays – A crowd-pleasing classic that looks impressive.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (peeling is optional for Yukon Gold).
Slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cooking.
Soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry (this removes excess starch and prevents gumminess).

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Stir in Parmesan cheese if using, until melted into the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Arrange a layer of potato slices evenly across the bottom.
Spoon some cream sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all are used, finishing with sauce on top.

Step 4: Bake the Scalloped Potatoes

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes until golden, bubbly, and potatoes are tender.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Uniform Slices – Use a mandoline for even slices so they cook consistently.
Warm Dairy – Warm milk and cream blend more smoothly into the roux.
Don’t Skimp on Sauce – Each layer should be coated for maximum creaminess.
Test Doneness – Insert a knife in the center; potatoes should be tender, not firm.
Golden Top – For a more golden crust, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Variations

Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin – Add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese between layers.
Garlic Herb Potatoes – Mix rosemary, thyme, or chives into the sauce.
Ham & Scalloped Potatoes – Stir in diced cooked ham for a full meal.
Bacon Lovers’ Version – Add crispy bacon bits to the layers.
Vegetable Boost – Layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or leeks.
Lighter Option – Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.

Serving Suggestions

Scalloped potatoes are rich and flavorful, making them a versatile side dish. Pair them with:

Easter Ham – The classic holiday combo.
Roast Chicken or Turkey – Comfort food perfection.
Grilled Steak or Pork Chops – Adds a creamy balance to bold flavors.
Fresh Green Salad – For a lighter contrast.
Steamed Vegetables – Like green beans or asparagus.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. (Thaw overnight before reheating.)
Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 8 servings)

Calories: 290
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

(Values vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

Summary

This Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate creamy, garlicky, and comforting side dish that works for holidays, Sunday dinners, and weeknight meals alike. With tender potato layers and a silky sauce, it’s indulgent yet simple to make.

From traditional scalloped potatoes to cheesy au gratin variations, this dish is endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with roasted meats, ham, or even as a vegetarian main course—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

scalloped potatoes