Zesty Layers: Julia Child Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Unleashed

Scalloped potatoes dance with decadent cream and rustic charm in this iconic julia child recipe.

Layers of tender potato slices whisper stories of French countryside kitchens and comforting family meals.

Butter-kissed edges promise a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a velvety smooth interior.

Each forkful brings a symphony of rich, creamy textures that transport you to classic European dining rooms.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant side dish that sparkles with culinary magic.

Skilled home cooks can master this delectable creation with surprising ease.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Julia Child’s Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

• Potatoes: Choose firm, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for creamy, smooth texture.
• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Essential for creating uniform, elegant potato slices.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Select full-fat versions for rich, luxurious mouthfeel.
• Unsalted Butter: Look for high-quality, European-style butter for deeper flavor.
• Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves with firm, plump appearance.
• Fresh Thyme: Select bright green sprigs with strong aromatic fragrance.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense, vibrant taste.
• Ground Nutmeg: Choose whole nutmeg and grate just before using for maximum potency.

• Gruyère Cheese: Select aged variety for deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Seek authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic, complex taste.

Equipment Needed for Julia’s Potato Dish

• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Slice potatoes into precise, even 1/8-inch rounds.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for simmering potatoes with cream and seasonings.
• Pastry Brush or Paper Towel: Coat baking dish with butter for non-stick magic.
• 8-inch Square Baking Dish: Ideal vessel for creating creamy potato layers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grate Gruyère and Parmesan for melty perfection.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Gently fold and mix ingredients with care.
• Oven Mitts: Safely handle hot dishes during baking and removal.

How to Make Julia Child’s Scalloped Potatoes

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F. Butter up an 8-inch baking dish thoroughly, making sure every corner gets some love.

• Slice Those Spuds

Peel your potatoes and transform them into delicate, whisper-thin rounds using a mandoline or razor-sharp knife. Aim for uniform slices that’ll cook like a dream.

• Create a Dreamy Potato Bath

In a saucepan, combine potato slices with cream, milk, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Let them simmer and dance together, becoming tender but still holding their shape for about 5 minutes.

• Cheese It Up

Remove from heat and sprinkle in Gruyère and Parmesan. Gently fold until the cheese melts into a velvety blanket, coating every potato slice with creamy goodness.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pour the potato mixture into the prepared dish. Slide into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’re hunting for a golden-brown top that’s crispy on the outside and meltingly soft inside.

• Rest and Serve

After baking, let the dish rest for 10 minutes. This magical pause helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze. Scoop out portions that’ll make mouths water and hearts sing!

Tips to Get Creamy, Layered Potatoes

• Elevate Your Potato Game: Expert Tips for Scalloped Potato Perfection
• Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline for uniform potato rounds that cook evenly and look professionally prepared. Consistent thickness ensures each bite is equally creamy and delicious.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or a smoky gouda to create unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own personality to the classic dish.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire casserole up to a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and extend baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
• Crispy Top Secret: Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking for an irresistible golden, crunchy surface that adds incredible texture to your creamy potato masterpiece.

How to Serve Julia Child’s Potato Recipe

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement these creamy scalloped potatoes with roasted chicken, juicy beef tenderloin, or succulent pork chops for a complete meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color, texture, and extra flavor that makes the dish pop.
• Create Cozy Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, steamed seasonal vegetables, or tangy roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the potato casserole.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match these decadent potatoes with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dish.

Storing Julia Child’s Scalloped Potatoes Properly

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy texture remains delightful when reheated carefully.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of cream to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the potatoes' delicate texture.
• Portion and Prep Tip: Consider dividing the dish into individual serving containers before storing. This makes grab-and-go lunches or quick side dishes super convenient for busy weekdays.

Rich Julia Child Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mastering julia child scalloped potatoes reveals classic French culinary elegance with creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes. Cheese and cream create rich, comforting flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium russet potatoes (2 lbs / 907 g)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (30 g), plus more for greasing
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (355 ml)
• ½ cup whole milk (120 ml)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (4 oz / 113 g)
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (1 ½ oz / 43 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and lavishly butter an 8-inch square baking dish, ensuring complete interior coverage.
2. Potato Processing: Meticulously slice potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline, maintaining precise thickness for consistent cooking.
3. Flavor Infusion: Combine potatoes with heavy cream, whole milk, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a saucepan, creating a luxurious aromatic base. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes become slightly tender, stirring gently to prevent burning, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove from heat and delicately fold in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency throughout the mixture.
5. Baking Process: Pour the potato-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown crust and potatoes reach complete tenderness when tested with a fork.
6. Resting Stage: Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 10-12 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and the casserole to set before serving.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create perfectly uniform 1/8-inch potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Prevent Scorching: Stir the cream mixture continuously over medium heat to avoid burning and develop rich, layered flavors without compromising texture.
• Cheese Distribution Matters: Gently fold cheeses to create a smooth, creamy consistency that coats every potato slice evenly for maximum flavor impact.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dish to rest 10-12 minutes after baking, letting the potatoes absorb remaining liquids and stabilize for a perfect, cohesive texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg