Rich, creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious cheesy sauce until tender and bubbling—ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadently creamy and cheesy comfort food

• Elegant presentation yet super easy to assemble

• Easily scalable for small dinners or large gatherings

• Versatile and pairs well with meat, poultry, or vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 lb Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, or replace with milk)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 Tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Layer the dish: Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish (overlap slightly). Top with half the onions (if using). Pour half the sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of each cheese.

4. Repeat layers: Add the remaining potatoes, onions, sauce, and cheeses in another layer.

5. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest and garnish: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving; toppings will set slightly for cleaner slices. Sprinkle with chives or parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 65–70 minutes
Total time: Approximately 80–85 minutes

Variations

• Creamy herb: Stir chopped thyme or rosemary into the sauce

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sauce

• Lower-fat: Use whole milk only and reduce or omit heavy cream

• Mini versions: Layer in individual ramekins for personal portions

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in an oven-safe dish at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use red potatoes instead?

Yes—red potatoes work well, though the topping might be slightly less creamy due to lower starch content.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is traditional, but leaving skins on can add texture and nutrients if you prefer.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for 1/8-inch (3 mm) slices—uniform thickness ensures even baking.

Can I prep ahead?

Yes—prepare and assemble the dish, then refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready, adding extra baking time if straight from cold.

Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry in place of flour.

Can I freeze it?

Yes—freeze before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, covered with foil, at 350 °F for 60–75 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced zucchini, leeks, or mushrooms work beautifully between potato layers.

Why rest before serving?

Allowing it to rest helps the sauce thicken and makes slicing neater.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or a mix of both—these melt smoothly and give rich flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes—use dairy-free milk, cream alternatives, and non-dairy shredded cheeses.

Conclusion

This Perfect Scalloped Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction in every slice. Elegant enough for special occasions and comforting enough for weeknights, it’s a versatile side dish that steals the show with its rich texture and timeless flavor. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!