If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug from the oven, it’s this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a luscious, silky sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden, bubbly finish. This classic comfort food has a magical way of transforming simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying side that’s ideal for family dinners, holiday tables, or any time you crave something truly cozy. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to for a deliciously creamy, soul-soothing potato dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture that makes this dish unforgettable. From the tender potatoes that melt in your mouth to the subtle sharpness of Romano cheese, every component matters.
- Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the baking dish to ensure your potatoes don’t stick and bake evenly.
- 5–6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8-1/4 inch thick): Choosing even slices helps the potatoes cook uniformly and soak in the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions: They add a gentle sweetness and a lovely texture contrast to the potatoes.
- 3 cups whole milk: This creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats every slice with creamy goodness.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, giving your sauce that silky, smooth consistency.
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt: Key for seasoning—not just the sauce but all the layers of potatoes and onions.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to complement the mild creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top, this cheese adds a delightful tang and enhances the golden crust.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the potatoes crisp up nicely at the edges.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions
Begin by placing a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then sprinkle half of your sliced onions, along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Repeat these layers once more, and finish by topping with the remaining potatoes, salt, and pepper. These layers build up a flavorful, tender base that’s bursting with savory notes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until smooth. This mixture will thicken into the luscious sauce that envelops the potatoes. Pour it evenly over the layered potatoes and onions. Add a splash more milk if needed to almost cover the potatoes completely — this ensures they cook gently to tender perfection.
Step 4: Add the Cheese (Optional)
If you love a little extra savory punch, sprinkle the grated Romano cheese on top of your dish now. It melts and browns to create an irresistible golden crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake your scalloped potatoes uncovered for about 1 hour. The top will turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the sauce will bubble all around the edges. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once the baking is finished, let your dish cool for about 10 minutes. This rest time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve perfect slices without them falling apart.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While scalloped potatoes are stunning on their own, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving brings a fresh color and a mild herbal brightness that contrast beautifully with the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. The creamy texture provides a perfect foil to savory, robust proteins, making your meal feel well-rounded and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. You can also add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a little texture contrast or mix in some cooked bacon pieces for an extra smoky kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to four days, making for easy and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through and the top regains some crispiness. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though you may lose some of the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are traditional for scalloped potatoes due to their melt-in-your-mouth texture, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes can also work well, giving you a slightly different but equally delicious result.
Is it necessary to use whole milk in the creamy sauce?
Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest sauce, but you could substitute with 2% milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit less luxurious.
Can I add cheese inside the layers, not just on top?
Yes! Adding shredded cheese between potato layers adds extra flavor and gooey cheesiness. Sharp cheddar or Gruyère are fantastic choices that complement the creaminess perfectly.
How thinly should the potatoes be sliced?
Slice the potatoes about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick for even cooking and the best texture—thin enough to get tender without falling apart entirely.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick before baking, simply whisk in a bit more milk until you reach the desired pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, let it thicken slightly on the stove over low heat before pouring over the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food magic — simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Give it a try; once you do, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic in so many households.
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes and onions baked in a rich, creamy milk and flour sauce, topped with optional Romano cheese for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it’s easy to prepare and serves eight people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray, as needed
- 5–6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8–1/4 inch thick)
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- Layer potatoes and onions: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions over the potatoes, season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Repeat by layering the remaining onions and potatoes, then season again with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Make sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy sauce. Pour the sauce over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish, adding extra milk if necessary to nearly cover the potato mixture.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle the grated Romano cheese evenly over the top layer if you choose to use it; this will give a delicious, crispy, savory topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and crispy, and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- Use uniformly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and creaminess.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe due to their texture and starch content.
- If you prefer, substitute the milk with half-and-half or cream for an even richer dish.
- For a dairy-free version, consider using almond or oat milk and omit the Romano cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
