You need a holiday side dish that feels special. But you don’t have all day to make it. I hear you. That’s why we’re making Classic Homemade Scalloped Potatoes. It’s the perfect creamy, cheesy side, but if you’re looking for a hearty one-pan meal, you might love this garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet.
Forget complicated recipes. This one is all about creamy, cheesy comfort. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have. And it comes together with minimal fuss.
Let’s get a rich, golden casserole on your holiday table. You can do this. I’ll show you how.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ultimate Guide to Classic Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
This is your one-stop guide. We’re skipping the fussy steps that slow you down. I promise maximum flavor for your effort.
The magic is in the layers. Thin potatoes, a simple cream sauce, and sharp cheese. It bakes into pure comfort food. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser for any holiday dinner.
It’s the perfect Easter side dish. It also shines at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Honestly, it’s great for any Sunday supper. Let’s make it easy.
The Simple Ingredients
Grab these basics. No fancy trips to the store needed. The right potatoes make a big difference here.
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Fresh thyme or chives for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps. It’s easier than you think. The oven does most of the work for you.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Scrub the Yukon Gold potatoes. You can peel them if you want. I often leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Slice them very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer makes this super fast. Use the guard for safety!
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic. Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. This cooks the raw flour taste out.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk. Keep stirring! Whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This takes just 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Then, stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add all the sliced potatoes to the pot. Gently fold them into the creamy cheese sauce. Make sure every slice gets coated.
- Pour the saucy potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Press the potatoes down gently.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Dig in!
What to Serve With This Dish
This is a star side dish. It pairs perfectly with so many proteins. Here are my go-to easy mains.
Classic Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Classic Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe!
Nutrition Information
A simple roasted ham is a classic partner. Especially for Easter. A juicy roasted chicken works any night of the week. For a hands-off chicken dinner, try this easy crockpot chicken potatoes and green beans. For a holiday dinner, try it with prime rib or roast turkey.
Add a simple green veggie on the side. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli balance the richness. A crisp garden salad is always a good idea.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Make it work for you. Use what you have. These swaps keep things easy.
Try Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar. It’s nutty and melts beautifully. A mix of cheeses is also fantastic.
No heavy cream? Use half-and-half. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still delicious. Add a pinch of extra salt to boost the flavor.
Add some protein. Mix in diced ham or cooked bacon with the potatoes. It turns the side into a full meal. For another satisfying potato and sausage combo, check out these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
Let the dish cool completely. Cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat single servings in the microwave. For a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot. You may need to add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 12g
*Nutrition is an estimate only. Values will vary based on ingredients used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?
This usually happens if the potatoes are sliced too thick. Thin slices are key. Also, make sure your cream sauce is nice and thick before you mix in the potatoes.
What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
It’s fuzzy! Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are in a cream sauce. Au gratin has cheese. Our recipe has both, so it’s the best of both worlds. Call it whatever you want—it’s tasty.
See? A legendary holiday side dish doesn’t need to be hard. You just made something amazing. And you didn’t spend your whole day in the kitchen.
That’s a win in my book. Creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying. Your family is going to love it.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
