Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! These Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite is rich and cheesy, with those delightful crispy edges that everyone loves. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

What makes these creamy scalloped potatoes so special? They combine simple ingredients into something truly comforting and delicious. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a Sunday roast, or just because you want to treat yourself, these potatoes will definitely shine as the star of your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! They’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble these in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of garlic, thyme, and creamy goodness elevates this dish to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These creamy scalloped potatoes use easy-to-find items that pack a punch of flavor and comfort. 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 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like things spicy.
• Try Different Cheeses: Swap out Parmesan for Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Layer in Other Vegetables: Thinly sliced onions or mushrooms can add even more depth to this dish.

How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a medium-sized ceramic baking dish. This ensures that your creamy scalloped potatoes don’t stick and helps achieve those crispy golden edges we all love!

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the Yukon gold potatoes as thinly as possible (about 1/16th of an inch). Thin slices allow them to cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite irresistible.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the minced garlic until aromatic. This step infuses your sauce with wonderful flavors! Then stir in the flour to create a roux and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes before adding in your heavy cream. Keep stirring until thickened—this should take about five minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Seasonings

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is combined smoothly. This creamy mixture will be what brings everything together in our scalloped potatoes!

Step 5: Combine Potatoes with Sauce

Remove your sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, add the sliced potatoes and pour that luscious sauce over them. Gently toss everything together until each slice is coated in that dreamy mixture.

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Now comes the fun part! Stack those potato slices upright in your greased baking dish. Pour any leftover sauce over top for added flavor, then sprinkle some extra Parmesan if desired.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Tent your dish with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. After that time is up, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This step creates that perfect texture!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let your creamy scalloped potatoes cool for about ten minutes before serving. This allows them to set up just right so you can cut into them easily!

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious side dish with family or friends—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Making creamy scalloped potatoes is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their natural creaminess and buttery flavor make them the ideal choice for scalloping, ensuring a rich texture and taste.
• Slice Evenly: Aim for uniform thickness when slicing the potatoes (about 1/16th of an inch) to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents some slices from being undercooked while others become mushy.
• Let the Sauce Cool Slightly: Allowing your sauce to cool a bit before mixing it with the potatoes helps prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy and allows them to hold their shape better during baking.
• Layer Thoughtfully: When stacking the potato slices in the baking dish, alternate the directions slightly for even cooking and to create a visually appealing presentation.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken further and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy scalloped potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can turn this side dish into a star attraction at any meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both the presentation and flavor of your creamy scalloped potatoes.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: For those who wish to add a tangy twist, crumbled feta can provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans: These crisp-tender green beans bring a lovely crunch that complements the creamy texture of scalloped potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt before roasting.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light salad with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the potatoes. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for added zing.
• Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken marinated in herbs and lemon pairs beautifully with scalloped potatoes. The brightness of lemon cuts through the richness of the dish nicely.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective, steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients. Its slight bitterness contrasts wonderfully with creamy flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your creamy scalloped potatoes will shine bright on any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These creamy scalloped potatoes are not only delicious but also ideal for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making your holiday meals even more special.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool entirely before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out while reheating.
• Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a crispy top, uncover during the last 10 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different twist on this recipe.

How do I know when my creamy scalloped potatoes are done?

Your creamy scalloped potatoes are done when they are golden brown on top and a fork easily pierces through the layers of potatoes. The sauce should be bubbly as well!

Can I make creamy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Creamy scalloped potatoes can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Check out the storing tips above for details on how to keep them fresh.

What makes these creamy scalloped potatoes so special?

The combination of rich cream, buttery garlic sauce, and tender potato slices creates a comforting dish that is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these creamy scalloped potatoes as much as I do! They bring together warmth and comfort, making any meal feel extra special. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at home; I’m sure it will become a family favorite. Happy cooking, and may your table always be filled with love and delicious food!