Heavenly Joy Of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Dreamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Comfort on a Plate!

Scalloped potatoes dance between rustic comfort and elegant cuisine, transforming ordinary spuds into a luxurious culinary canvas.

These creamy, golden layers whisper promises of indulgence with every slice.

Tender potato rounds nestle between velvety cheese and delicate seasonings, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-warming dish that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Each forkful carries a symphony of textures – crisp edges giving way to luscious, melted interior.

The aroma alone tells a story of warmth and connection around the dinner table.

This recipe will transport you straight to comfort food heaven and make your taste buds sing with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need to Make Scalloped Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Russet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned spuds with minimal blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: Opt for creamy, golden potatoes that hold their shape during baking.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Unsalted: Select high-quality, fresh butter for rich, smooth flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Look for finely ground flour to create a silky, lump-free roux.
  • Onions: Pick firm, crisp onions with tight, papery skins for maximum sweetness.
  • Garlic: Select plump, heavy garlic cloves with no green sprouts or soft spots.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
  • Whole Milk: Reach for fresh, full-fat milk to ensure a luxuriously creamy sauce.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Select freshly ground black pepper for the most vibrant flavor.
For Optional Topping:
  • Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty foil to create a perfect baking cover.

Tools That Make Scalloped Potatoes Easier

  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating layers and ensuring even cooking.
  • Medium saucepan: Essential for making the creamy, smooth sauce.
  • Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing potatoes and chopping onions and garlic.
  • Sharp knife: For precise potato and vegetable preparation.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent over-browning.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Cooking spray or butter: Greases the baking dish for easy serving.
  • Broiler (optional): Adds a golden, crispy top layer to the potatoes.

Cooking Directions for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Cooking Directions for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
  • Warm Up the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a spacious baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to keep everything from sticking.

  • Craft the Silky Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in a pan over gentle heat. Toss in diced onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften for a few minutes. Dust with flour and stir until everything blends beautifully.

  • Transform the Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth and milk into the pan slowly, whisking like a pro. Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy texture that hugs your ingredients.

  • Create the Potato Canvas

Spread most of your potato slices across the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle a third of your dreamy sauce all over.

  • Build the Final Layer

Add the remaining potato slices and blanket them with the rest of the sauce. Make sure every potato gets some love and coverage.

  • Bake and Bubble

Shield the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and let it continue cooking until the potatoes turn tender and the top becomes a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Add the Finishing Touch

Want extra crispiness? Pop it under the broiler for a quick 3-4 minutes. Keep a watchful eye to prevent burning.

  • Let It Rest and Shine

Give your creation a 15-minute break before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes slicing a breeze.

Scalloped Potato Tips You’ll Want to Try

Explore exciting ways to make this classic dish uniquely yours!

Sprinkle sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan between potato layers for an extra melty, flavor-packed experience.

Fold fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cream sauce to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the rich potatoes.

Incorporate diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or shredded chicken between layers to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that elevates the creamy texture.

Delicious Pairing Ideas for Scalloped Potatoes

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or juicy steak for a complete and satisfying meal that balances the creamy potato dish.
  • Veggie Companion Boost: Add steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to provide a fresh, nutritious contrast to the rich, creamy potatoes.
  • Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the dish with a crisp chardonnay or a light pinot noir that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform the scalloped potatoes into a weekend brunch star by topping with a sunny-side-up egg or crumbled bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Best Way to Store Scalloped Potatoes

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavor.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore crispiness by placing in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap completely cooled potatoes in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the original taste and consistency.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect golden-brown results.
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Heavenly Joy Of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Heavenly Joy Of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy scalloped potatoes deliver comfort through layers of sliced potatoes bathed in rich cheese sauce. Hearty side dishes from French cuisine bring warmth and satisfaction to family meals you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) white potatoes, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
  • 2 cups (473 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (30 g) flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F, ensuring rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
  2. Aromatic Base: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until softened and translucent. Dust with flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
  3. Sauce Creation: Gradually whisk broth and milk into the roux, maintaining constant motion to prevent lumping. Simmer until sauce thickens to a velvety consistency, coating the back of a spoon.
  4. Layering Foundation: Lightly grease baking dish, creating an initial potato layer seasoned with salt and pepper. Pour one-third of cream sauce across the potatoes, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Assembling Layers: Continue building potato and sauce layers, finishing with a luxurious cream sauce topping that will create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
  6. Baking Process: Cover dish and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until potatoes become tender and surface turns a rich, caramelized golden-brown. Optional: Broil briefly for additional crispy texture.
  7. Resting and Serving: Allow dish to rest for 15 minutes, enabling sauce to set and making portioning more manageable. Serve hot as a decadent side dish.

Notes

  • Potato Prep Tip: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Sauce Smoothness Strategy: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumpy sauce and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
  • Seasoning Secret: Layer salt and pepper between potato layers for more balanced and deeper flavor distribution.
  • Resting Recommendation: Letting the dish rest after baking allows sauce to thicken and settle, improving overall taste and serving ease.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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