If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are just what you need. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it never fails to impress at gatherings. The layers of tender potatoes drenched in a rich, cheesy sauce create a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Plus, who can resist those crispy edges?

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply wanting to enjoy something delicious on a busy night, this dish brings joy to the table. Trust me; once you try these creamy scalloped potatoes, they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without any fuss.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and soft potatoes.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it right before serving!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, thyme, and creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even just a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these creamy scalloped potatoes shine! You probably have many of these in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Potatoes

5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with whole milk or half and half)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is flexible and allows for some fun variations! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.

Add Some Veggies: Toss in thinly sliced onions or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for unique flavors.
Herb Infusion: Mix in other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for added freshness.

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized ceramic baking dish. Prepping your pan ensures that your creamy scalloped potatoes won’t stick and will come out beautifully.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible—about 1/16th of an inch. Thin slices help them cook evenly and absorb that delicious sauce!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the garlic until aromatic. This step adds incredible flavor! Stir in the flour to create a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the heavy cream. Continue stirring until thickened, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Seasonings

Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is combined into a smooth sauce. This rich mixture will coat your potato slices perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Sauce

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add the sliced potatoes to a large bowl and pour the sauce over top. Gently toss to coat all those lovely potato slices in that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Stack those potato slices upright in your greased baking dish! Pour any leftover sauce over top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese over everything.

Step 7: Bake with Care

Tent with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until those potatoes are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Once done baking, let your creamy scalloped potatoes cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps set everything beautifully!

And there you have it—perfectly creamy scalloped potatoes ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Making creamy scalloped potatoes is an art, and with these simple tips, you’ll become a pro in no time!

Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a buttery flavor and creamy texture that creates a rich dish. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets which can become mealy.
Slice Uniformly: Use a mandolin or sharp knife to slice your potatoes as evenly as possible. This ensures even cooking throughout and helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Taking the time to cook the roux properly before adding the cream is essential. This step helps create a smooth and thick sauce that clings beautifully to the potatoes.
Layer with Love: When arranging your potato slices in the baking dish, layer them neatly and stack them upright. This not only looks beautiful but also allows for better cooking and flavor absorption.
Rest Before Serving: Letting your scalloped potatoes sit for about 10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy scalloped potatoes are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully will impress your guests at any gathering.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Extra Parmesan: Grating some additional parmesan just before serving gives an extra cheesy touch and enhances the overall presentation.

Side Dishes

Roasted Asparagus: These tender spears, lightly seasoned and roasted, provide a delightful crunch that balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add a vibrant color and a fresh taste, making them a perfect contrast to creamy dishes.
Simple Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the scalloped potatoes, refreshing your palate with each bite.
Grilled Chicken or Tofu: For those looking for protein to accompany their meal, grilled chicken or marinated tofu offer hearty options that complement this savory side perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your creamy scalloped potatoes will be sure to shine at any meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These creamy scalloped potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, making your holiday gatherings or busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely.
Cut them into individual portions for easier reheating.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen scalloped potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
For crispy edges, uncover for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about creamy scalloped potatoes:

Can I use other types of cheese for creamy scalloped potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or even a vegan cheese alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Each will give a unique flavor!

How do I ensure my creamy scalloped potatoes are not watery?

To prevent watery scalloped potatoes, make sure to slice your potatoes thinly and allow any excess moisture to drain off. Cooking the sauce until it thickens before combining it with the potatoes also helps achieve that perfect creaminess.

Can I prepare creamy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for delicious results!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these creamy scalloped potatoes! They’re rich, cheesy, and sure to be a hit at your table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish brings warmth and comfort. Enjoy every cheesy bite and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Comfort Food

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Description

If you’re in search of a dish that brings warmth and comfort, look no further than these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes. This beloved recipe layers tender Yukon gold potatoes in a luscious, cheesy sauce enhanced with garlic and fresh thyme. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this side dish is an instant crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The crispy edges add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Thinly slice the Yukon gold potatoes using a mandolin or sharp knife.
In a pot over medium heat, melt butter with minced garlic until fragrant; stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add heavy cream, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Mix in Parmesan cheese (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine sliced potatoes with the creamy sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
Layer potato slices upright in the baking dish and pour any remaining sauce over top, optionally adding extra Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes until golden brown.