Creamy Scalloped Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about creamy scalloped potatoes baking in the oven. The scent of garlic, cheese, and butter drifting through your kitchen instantly sets the tone for a warm, cozy meal. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread or simply elevating a weeknight dinner, this rich and flavorful dish has a timeless appeal.

Maybe you remember sitting around the dinner table as a child, eagerly scooping golden layers of cheesy potatoes onto your plate. Or perhaps you’re just now discovering how a simple combination of pantry staples can transform into something unforgettable. Either way, creamy scalloped potatoes are one of those recipes that brings people together. It’s rustic and luxurious all at once—something you’ll be proud to serve.

Crafting a delicious batch of scalloped potatoes doesn’t require fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. What you need is a little technique, patience, and the right guidance. In this article, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the process—from selecting the perfect potatoes to layering them with a silky garlic cream sauce and baking them to golden perfection. You’ll also learn smart tips for customizing the dish to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Let’s dig into what makes this dish so special and how you can make it flawlessly in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food with good reason. This particular recipe balances simplicity and indulgence, offering a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with nearly any main course. Here’s why it belongs in your rotation:

• Rich, garlicky cream sauce that coats every layer
• Golden, crisp edges with a gooey, cheesy top
• Uses common kitchen ingredients, yet feels gourmet
• Great for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
• Easily adaptable with different cheeses or add-ins
• Can be prepped ahead of time to save effort

Whether you’re hosting guests or just feeding your family, this dish leaves a lasting impression.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to make scalloped potatoes. Most of what you’ll need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.

Core Ingredients:

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Ingredient Notes:

• Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy texture. They hold their shape well during baking, which is key to layered dishes like this.
• Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky body. If you’re looking to cut calories, whole milk or half-and-half will still work, though the final result may be slightly less rich.
• Parmesan cheese brings savory umami and sharpness. Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or Fontina for a twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy, but having the right tools can make prep smoother and safer.

• Ceramic or glass baking dish
• Mandoline slicer (or a very sharp knife and a steady hand)
• Large pot or deep skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Using a mandoline can save time and help achieve even slices, which is key to even cooking. Always use the safety guard to avoid injury.

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe is entirely doable. Just follow these steps closely, and you’ll end up with a bubbly, golden, mouthwatering dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a ceramic or glass baking dish.
2. Thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/16-inch thickness. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook evenly. A mandoline helps get uniform slices quickly.
3. Make the garlic cream sauce. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Whisk in the heavy cream slowly to avoid clumping. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Add Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything melts together into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
7. Toss the sliced potatoes in the sauce until they’re evenly coated. This ensures each layer is seasoned and rich.
8. Stack the potato slices vertically in your prepared dish. You can go with a spiral or rows—just keep them snug but not packed.
9. Pour the remaining sauce over the potatoes and top with a generous handful of Parmesan.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
12. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to set and makes slicing cleaner.

Pro Tips to Make It Even Better

Want to elevate your scalloped potatoes from good to unforgettable? Here are some pro tips that can help:

• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
• Customize your cheese: Swap Parmesan with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or cheddar for sharpness.
• Add extras: For a twist, layer in caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked bacon.
• Pair it well: This dish goes wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork loin, holiday ham, or even a meatless green salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Understanding the nutritional profile helps you plan your meal more effectively. Here’s a breakdown based on an average serving size:

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 320mg

This is a rich, indulgent side dish—perfect for celebrations or when you simply want something satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Conclusion

Creamy scalloped potatoes aren’t just another side—they’re an expression of care, comfort, and culinary joy. They turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary, offering rich flavor, texture, and warmth in every bite. With their golden crust, cheesy layers, and silky garlic cream sauce, they are bound to become a staple on your dinner table.

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just making an ordinary meal feel special, this dish delivers every time. You can tailor it to your tastes, prep it in advance, and count on it to impress both family and guests alike. So why not roll up your sleeves and make a batch tonight? You won’t regret it—and your kitchen will smell like home.

More Tasty Ideas

• Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: This hearty side dish mirrors the creamy richness of scalloped potatoes with the added benefit of broccoli. It’s a cheesy, oven-baked favorite that’s perfect for any holiday spread or comforting dinner.
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: A delicious one-pan meal that combines tender potatoes with seasoned beef and melted cheese, offering a filling and flavorful option with a similar profile to scalloped potatoes.
• Canned Yams Casserole: If you’re drawn to warm, creamy casseroles, this sweet and savory dish will hit the spot. It’s an excellent companion to scalloped potatoes for a festive or southern-style meal.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Print Recipe

These creamy scalloped potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes layered in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this recipe is perfect for holidays or cozy dinners.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute whole milk/half & half)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a ceramic baking dish.
2. Slice potatoes very thin (about 1/16 inch) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3. In a large pot, melt butter with garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Stir in flour to make a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Slowly whisk in cream and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. Toss sliced potatoes in the sauce until well coated.
8. Stack potato slices upright in the baking dish and pour extra sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
12. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
• Try cheese variations like Gruyère, cheddar, or Fontina for different flavors.
• Pairs well with roasted chicken, beef, or ham.