If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Scalloped Potatoes are just what you need for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy goodness, tender potatoes, and a crispy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is especially dear to me because it reminds me of happy moments spent around the dinner table with loved ones.

These scalloped potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal or hosting friends for the holidays, this dish fits perfectly into any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough that even novice cooks can whip it up with ease!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy days!
Delicious Flavor: Rich cream, sharp cheese, and garlic come together to create an irresistible taste experience.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or veggies for a personal touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For these Best Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen.

For the Potatoes

2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Mixture

2 cups heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Topping

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary between layers for a burst of flavor.
Incorporate Veggies: Layer in some sautéed onions or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on classic flavors.
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you’re looking for something a bit lighter.

How to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a medium baking dish. This step ensures that your scalloped potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare Your Potatoes

Wash and peel those lovely potatoes before slicing them thinly using either a knife or mandoline. Thin slices are key here; they cook more evenly and allow all those creamy flavors to seep through every layer.

Step 3: Mix Your Creamy Base

In a bowl, combine heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse each layer of potato with flavor, creating that rich texture we all love.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Begin layering potato slices in your greased baking dish. Pour some of the cream mixture over each layer before sprinkling on cheddar cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. This layering technique is what makes every bite so luscious!

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

Top off your layered masterpiece with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. This will create a golden crust that adds texture and flavor contrast to the creamy potatoes below.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

And there you have it—the Best Scalloped Potatoes! Enjoy them hot out of the oven as a comforting side dish that’s bound to impress everyone at your table.

Pro Tips for Making Best Scalloped Potatoes

Making the best scalloped potatoes can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly creamy and golden brown!

Use a Mandoline for Uniform Slices: Slicing potatoes evenly helps them cook at the same rate, ensuring that each layer is tender and delicious.
Let Potatoes Soak in Water: If you slice your potatoes ahead of time, soak them in cold water to prevent browning. This also helps remove excess starch, resulting in creamier layers.
Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, mixing in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can add depth and variety to the flavor profile.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking lets the layers set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary between potato layers to elevate the flavor and add a beautiful aroma that complements the creamy richness.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Potatoes

Serving scalloped potatoes is all about showcasing their creamy texture and inviting appearance. Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully at your next gathering.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your scalloped potatoes without overpowering their rich flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of grated Parmesan on top just before serving offers an extra cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Side Dishes

Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with rich scalloped potatoes.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the potatoes.
Grilled Chicken or Salmon: Lean proteins such as grilled chicken or baked salmon complement the hearty nature of scalloped potatoes while keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Garlic Bread: For those who love a little crunch, garlic bread is an excellent side that adds flavor and texture, perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family with your Best Scalloped Potatoes! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Scalloped Potatoes are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen scalloped potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Scalloped Potatoes.

Can I use different types of cheese in Best Scalloped Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delightful, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for added flavor.

How do I make the Best Scalloped Potatoes creamier?

To enhance creaminess, use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half or add a little sour cream between layers. This will give you that luscious texture everyone loves!

Can I add vegetables to my Best Scalloped Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to add thinly sliced onions, spinach, or mushrooms between the potato layers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long do I need to bake the Best Scalloped Potatoes?

Bake them covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top. Adjust baking time if your slices are thicker.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up this mouthwatering dish! The Best Scalloped Potatoes are truly special—they’re creamy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing at any gathering. Enjoy making them and savoring every bite with your loved ones. Don’t forget to come back and share how they turned out!

Best Scalloped Potatoes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting layers of the Best Scalloped Potatoes, a dish that combines creamy goodness with tender potatoes and a crispy topping. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Packed with rich flavors from sharp cheddar cheese and garlic, these scalloped potatoes are not only simple to make but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, you can easily customize this dish with fresh herbs or vegetables to make it uniquely yours. Get ready for a delightful culinary experience that will warm hearts and satisfy appetites!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly using a knife or mandoline.
In a bowl, mix heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Layer potato slices in the baking dish, pouring some cream mixture over each layer and sprinkling cheddar cheese.
Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.