Description
These Best Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy, velvety layers of potatoes baked in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, milk, and a blend of savory cheeses. This dish is perfectly seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of nutmeg or thyme, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special holiday meal, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress everyone with their luxurious texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Their starchiness creates a creamy texture when baked.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, depending on your preference, for richness.
- Heavy cream and milk: These combine to create a velvety sauce that coats the potatoes perfectly.
- Onions: Adds savory flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optionally nutmeg or thyme for added depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes evenly using a mandoline for uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking and creamy texture.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, simmer together the heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (such as nutmeg or thyme) until fragrant and well combined, about 5-7 minutes.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Start by layering the sliced potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of onions, a drizzle of the cream sauce, and a generous layer of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil, top with more cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t break down as well during baking.
- Cheese options: Cheddar offers a sharp bite, Gruyère adds nutty richness, and Parmesan gives a savory depth. You can mix and match these cheeses to achieve your desired flavor.
- Optional seasoning: Nutmeg and thyme add subtle warmth, but feel free to use your favorite herbs to customize the flavor.
- Layering tips: Be sure to evenly distribute the potatoes, sauce, and cheese to ensure even cooking and a creamy result.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food, Holiday Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of the dish)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg