This scalloped potatoes recipe is a delicious holiday side dish! Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and cheddar cheese, then baked until tender.
Find make-ahead instructions in the blog post above.
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
1 large onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 pounds white potatoes sliced about ⅛” thick
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F.
Sauce
To make the sauce, melt butter, onion and garlic over medium low heat.
Cook until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low.
Combine milk and broth.
Add a small amount at a time whisking to thicken.
The mixture will become very thick, continue adding a little bit of liquid at a time whisking until smooth.
Once all of the liquid has been added, bring to a boil over medium heat while continuing to whisk.
Stir in salt and pepper and let boil 1 minute.
Assembly
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish.
Place ⅓ of the potatoes in the bottom and season with salt and pepper.
Pour ⅓ of the cream sauce sauce over top.
Repeat layers ending with cream sauce. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and potatoes are tender.
Broil for 3-4 minutes to obtain a golden top.
Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F.
Sauce
To make the sauce, melt butter, onion and garlic over medium low heat.
Cook until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low.
Combine milk and broth.
Add a small amount at a time whisking to thicken.
The mixture will become very thick, continue adding a little bit of liquid at a time whisking until smooth.
Once all of the liquid has been added, bring to a boil over medium heat while continuing to whisk.
Stir in salt and pepper and let boil 1 minute.
Assembly
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish.
Place ⅓ of the potatoes in the bottom and season with salt and pepper.
Pour ⅓ of the cream sauce sauce over top.
Repeat layers ending with cream sauce. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and potatoes are tender.
Broil for 3-4 minutes to obtain a golden top.
Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort dish, featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy sauce and baked to golden perfection.
There are many ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Here are some popular variations and helpful tips for making the perfect scalloped potatoes:
Variations:
Classic Scalloped Potatoes:
The traditional version uses thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce (typically made with milk, cream, butter, and flour) and baked until tender and golden.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
Add shredded cheese to the cream sauce or sprinkle cheese between the layers of potatoes.
Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan are excellent choices.
This transforms the dish into Au Gratin Potatoes, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham:
Add diced, cooked ham between the layers for a heartier dish.
This version makes for a great one-dish meal or a way to use leftover ham from holidays like Easter or Christmas.
Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon:
For added smokiness, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers.
Bacon pairs well with creamy potatoes and can enhance the overall flavor.
Herbed Scalloped Potatoes:
Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or chives into the sauce for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
These herbs add freshness and a savory aroma.
Garlic Scalloped Potatoes:
Add minced garlic or roasted garlic to the cream sauce for extra flavor.
Garlic pairs well with the rich and creamy elements of the dish.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes:
For a twist, replace some or all of the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and can create a beautiful contrast in color.
Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions:
Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Layer them between the potatoes for a deeper flavor profile.
Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes:
Keep the dish simple with just potatoes, sauce, and some cheese, or add layers of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Scalloped Potatoes with Chicken or Turkey:
Add cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a more substantial dish. This is a great way to use leftovers and turn the dish into a complete meal.
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes:
Use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk), vegan butter, and flour to make the cream sauce.
Nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese can be added to mimic the cheesy flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Scalloped Potatoes:
Choose the Right Potatoes:
Starchy potatoes, like Russets, are ideal because they break down a bit during baking and help thicken the sauce.
You can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture, as they hold their shape better than Russets.
Slice Potatoes Evenly:
For the best results, slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) and evenly.
This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly.
Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices.
Pre-Cook the Potatoes (Optional):
You can partially cook the potato slices in simmering milk or broth for a few minutes before layering them in the dish.
This can help speed up the baking time and ensure the potatoes are tender.
Layer Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
Layer the potatoes with seasonings, cheese (if using), and any other ingredients (like ham or bacon) to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Make a Rich Cream Sauce:
The key to creamy scalloped potatoes is the sauce. Make a roux by whisking butter and flour together, then gradually add milk or cream.
For extra flavor, add grated cheese, garlic, or herbs to the sauce.
Cover While Baking:
Cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to trap in moisture and ensure the potatoes cook through.
Remove the foil in the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown and crisp up.
Check for Doneness:
Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be golden brown.
Depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of potatoes used, baking can take between 60-90 minutes.
Let It Rest Before Serving:
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
Add a Crunchy Topping:
For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers on top of the potatoes in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Drizzle with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
Make It Ahead:
Scalloped potatoes can be made ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
You can also bake it ahead of time and reheat in the oven, covered with foil, until heated through.
Extra Tip:
Prevent Curdling: When making the cream sauce, avoid using low-fat milk, as it can sometimes curdle during baking.
Whole milk, heavy cream, or a combination of both gives the best results for a smooth, rich sauce.
By experimenting with these variations and following these tips, you can customize scalloped potatoes to suit your tastes and create the perfect side dish for any meal or gathering.
The nutritional content of Scalloped Potatoes will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, particularly the type of milk or cream, cheese, and any added extras like ham or bacon.
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a 1-cup serving of a traditional scalloped potatoes recipe, made with potatoes, whole milk, butter, flour, and cheese.
Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving):
Calories: 300 – 350 kcal
Protein: 6 – 9 g
Fat: 15 – 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 – 12 g
Carbohydrates: 30 – 35 g
Sugars: 3 – 5 g
Fiber: 2 – 3 g
Sodium: 500 – 700 mg (varies with the amount of salt and cheese used)
Cholesterol: 40 – 60 mg
Calcium: 10 – 15% of daily value (from milk and cheese)
Iron: 6 – 10% of daily value (from potatoes)
Factors Affecting Nutritional Content:
Cream vs. Milk: Using heavy cream instead of milk increases the fat and calorie content.
For a lighter version, using 2% milk or a mix of milk and broth can reduce fat without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Cheese: The amount and type of cheese you use will affect the overall fat, calorie, and sodium content.
Cheddar and Gruyère are richer in calories and fat, while lower-fat cheese or smaller amounts can lighten the dish.
Butter: Reducing the amount of butter or using a light butter alternative can reduce the saturated fat content.
Potatoes: Using starchy potatoes (like Russets) typically gives a thicker sauce, while waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) provide a smoother texture but may hold less sauce, altering the carb-to-fat ratio slightly.
Additions:
Meat: Adding bacon, ham, or sausage can significantly increase the fat, sodium, and protein content.
Vegetables: Adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms increases fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while keeping calories relatively low.
Portion Size: Adjusting the serving size will, of course, change the calorie and nutrient intake per portion.
Healthier Adjustments:
Use Low-Fat Milk: Using 1% or 2% milk instead of whole milk or cream can reduce the fat and calories significantly.
Reduce Cheese: Using less cheese, or a lighter variety, can lower calories, fat, and sodium.
Add More Vegetables: Including vegetables can increase the fiber content and add nutrients while keeping the calorie count in check.
Use Less Butter: Reducing the butter or substituting it with olive oil can help decrease saturated fat content.
This estimate gives a general idea of the nutritional profile of Scalloped Potatoes.
Adjusting ingredients and portion sizes can help make the dish more suitable for your dietary preferences.