Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Creamy scalloped potatoes, also known as potatoes au gratin, are a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. This dish features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce, often with cheese for extra flavor and a golden-brown crust. While it might seem intimidating, scalloped potatoes are surprisingly easy to make. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Classic Comfort:** Scalloped potatoes evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It’s a dish many of us grew up with, making it a comforting and familiar choice.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of the ingredients on hand already. This recipe uses basic ingredients like potatoes, milk, butter, flour, and cheese (optional).
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. You can incorporate different cheeses, herbs, or even thinly sliced ham or bacon.
* **Perfect for Entertaining:** Scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. They can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for parties and holidays.
* **Versatile Side Dish:** This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and steak to ham and fish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the most common choice for scalloped potatoes because they are starchy and hold their shape well during baking. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, offering a slightly creamier texture. About 2.5 to 3 pounds, peeled.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. 6 tablespoons.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Flour is used to create a roux, which thickens the sauce. 4 tablespoons.
* **Milk:** Whole milk is recommended for the richest and creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer. 3 cups.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adding a touch of heavy cream enhances the richness and creaminess of the sauce. 1/2 cup.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a subtle but essential flavor to the dish. 2 cloves, minced.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Approximately 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor. 1/4 teaspoon (optional).
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese are all excellent choices for topping the potatoes. About 1-1.5 cups (optional).
* **Fresh Thyme:** Fresh thyme sprigs add a lovely herbaceous note. (Optional, for garnish).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mandoline or Sharp Knife:** For slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandoline makes this process much faster and easier.
* **Large Saucepan:** For making the cream sauce.
* **Whisk:** For stirring the sauce and preventing lumps from forming.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** The perfect size for baking the scalloped potatoes. You can also use a similar sized oven-safe dish.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** For peeling the potatoes.
* **Cutting Board:** To safely slice potatoes and garlic.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make creamy scalloped potatoes:

**1. Prepare the Potatoes:**

* **Peel the potatoes:** Thoroughly peel all the potatoes to remove the skin.
* **Slice the potatoes:** Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Consistency is key to ensure even cooking. If you’re using a mandoline, be extremely careful and use the handguard to protect your fingers.
* **Place in cold water (optional):** Placing the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the sauce can help prevent them from browning and also remove excess starch. If you do this, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before layering them in the baking dish.

**2. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* **Melt the butter:** In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
* **Add the flour:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour.
* **Gradually add the milk:** Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* **Add the heavy cream:** Stir in the heavy cream for extra richness. You can omit this if you want a slightly lighter sauce.
* **Add the garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the sauce and stir to combine.
* **Season the sauce:** Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the potatoes will absorb some of the salt, so it’s better to slightly over-season the sauce.
* **Simmer the sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

**3. Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:**

* **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Grease the baking dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
* **Layer the potatoes:** Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Make sure to cover the entire bottom of the dish.
* **Pour sauce over the potatoes:** Pour about one-third of the cream sauce over the potato layer, making sure to distribute it evenly.
* **Repeat the layers:** Repeat the layers of potatoes and sauce two more times, ending with a layer of sauce. You should have three layers of potatoes and three layers of sauce.
* **Top with cheese (optional):** If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. The amount of cheese is really up to personal preference.

**4. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes:**

* **Cover with foil:** Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
* **Bake:** Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the potato slices and the accuracy of your oven. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
* **Remove the foil:** Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent the top from burning. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
* **Let rest:** Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**

* **Garnish (optional):** Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.
* **Serve:** Serve the creamy scalloped potatoes hot as a side dish with your favorite main course. They are especially delicious with roasted chicken, ham, steak, or fish.

## Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

* **Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly:** This is crucial for ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly. A mandoline is highly recommended for achieving consistent results. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and take your time.
* **Don’t overcook the sauce:** Overcooking the sauce can make it too thick and pasty. Simmer it gently until it’s just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* **Layer the potatoes evenly:** Distribute the potato slices evenly in each layer to ensure that all the potatoes cook through. Overlapping the slices slightly is fine.
* **Don’t skimp on the sauce:** Make sure to use enough sauce to coat all the potato slices. The sauce is what makes the dish creamy and delicious.
* **Bake until tender:** The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Let the dish rest:** Letting the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Add Cheese!:** While optional, a layer of cheese melted on top adds a lot of flavour. Some good choices are Gruyere, Cheddar, or Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly across the top after the last layer of sauce.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives, can add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish. Sprinkle them over the top before serving.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add ham or bacon:** For a heartier dish, add diced ham or cooked bacon to the layers of potatoes. This will add a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Add onions:** Sauté sliced onions in butter before adding the flour to the sauce. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Gouda. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor.
* **Add spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian version.
* **Add vegetables:** Mix in thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Scalloped potatoes are a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the potatoes and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store the assembled dish, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is very cold. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining or preparing a holiday meal.

## Serving Suggestions

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** A classic pairing. The creamy potatoes complement the savory chicken perfectly.
* **Ham:** Scalloped potatoes are a traditional side dish for ham, especially around the holidays.
* **Steak:** The rich and creamy potatoes provide a delicious contrast to the hearty steak.
* **Pork Tenderloin:** A simple and elegant meal.
* **Fish:** Scalloped potatoes can also be served with baked or grilled fish. Choose a milder fish like cod or halibut.
* **Vegetarian Main Courses:** Pairs well with lentil loaf or nut roast.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:** Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the leftover scalloped potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the potatoes can become dry.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, assuming 8 servings)

* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 400-600mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Protein: 8-12g

_Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used._

## Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

**Recipe Name:** Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 1 hour 15 minutes

**Total Time:** 1 hour 35 minutes

**Servings:** 8

**Ingredients:**

* 2.5-3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1-1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

**Equipment:**

* Mandoline or sharp knife
* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Vegetable peeler
* Cutting board

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Place in cold water (optional, to prevent browning).
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
6. Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
7. Repeat the layers of potatoes and sauce two more times, ending with a layer of sauce.
8. Sprinkle with shredded cheese (optional).
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs (optional).

**Notes:**

* For best results, slice the potatoes thinly and evenly.
* Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* Use any type of cheese you prefer.
* Add ham, bacon, or onions for extra flavor.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious scalloped potatoes!

## Conclusion

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a special occasion dinner or a simple family meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and optional cheesy topping, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade scalloped potatoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add-ins to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!