If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with a comforting, luscious side dish, this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes bathed in a velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, onions, and a rich combination of milk and chicken broth. The result is a golden, bubbly casserole that hits just the right balance between creamy and savory. It feels like that classic dish you grew up loving but with a fresh, deeply satisfying twist. Once you get the hang of this recipe, it’s going to be your go-to for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any occasion worth celebrating with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a special part to make your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe truly shine. From the richness of butter to the mellow sweetness of onions, every component shapes the taste, texture, and irresistible color of the final dish.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps build the sauce’s luscious texture.
- Large yellow onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the layers of flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a gentle aroma that elevates the overall savory profile.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for that perfect creamy sauce consistency.
- Milk: Contributes to a smooth, silky sauce, balancing richness with lightness.
- Chicken broth: Introduces a savory background note that enhances every bite.
- Salt (divided): Elevates all the flavors, ensuring the potatoes and sauce are perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (divided): Lends a mild heat that beautifully complements the creaminess.
- Yukon gold potatoes (about 3 pounds, sliced â…›-inch thick): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor are ideal for scalloped layers.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your casserole dish so nothing sticks and the potatoes can brown beautifully. Thinly slicing your Yukon gold potatoes to about ⅛-inch thick helps them cook evenly and ensures each bite is tender and melts in your mouth. Taking the time to prep everything neatly here makes the rest of the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic, Make the Sauce
Begin by melting your salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onions and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma—this is magic in the making. Sprinkle your all-purpose flour over this mixture and stir for a minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste; this step is crucial for a silky sauce. Then, gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with half of your salt and black pepper now, and let the sauce thicken gently. This homemade sauce is the heart of your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, so savor the scent and texture at this stage.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Bake
With your sauce ready, layer a third of your sliced potatoes into the greased casserole dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Pour over a portion of that luscious sauce to soak every crevice. Repeat the layering two more times, finishing with the sauce on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 60 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust that gives that signature scalloped appearance. Watching it bubble and brown in the oven is just about as exciting as tasting it!
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or chives on top adds a delightful pop of green color and a fresh, aromatic element that cuts through the rich creaminess. A light dusting of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before the last few minutes of baking elevates the dish with a crispy, savory finish you’ll love. These little touches make your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or ham—the creamy potatoes perfectly complement juicy, savory flavors. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables also help balance the richness, bringing freshness and crunch to the meal. Whether for a casual dinner or a celebratory feast, these combinations create a well-rounded plate everyone will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the scalloped potatoes into individual ramekins for charming, personalized servings. Or serve it alongside grilled vegetables layered in an elegant vertical stack for a fresh twist. You can even garnish with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for an exciting flavor boost that keeps this classic feeling brand new each time you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let the scalloped potatoes cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy days. Freeze the casserole before baking, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, to restore that creamy texture and avoid drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the oven method ensures every bite tastes close to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use potatoes other than Yukon gold for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes provide the perfect buttery texture and creaminess, you can also use red potatoes or Russets. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To keep the recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This swap maintains the delicious depth of flavor while respecting dietary preferences.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day. This makes entertaining much easier and lets the flavors meld wonderfully.
How do I get a crispy top layer?
To achieve that perfect golden crust, remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking. Adding a sprinkle of cheese or breadcrumbs on top before the last bake also helps create a delightfully crispy finish.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thick, just whisk in a splash more milk or broth until it reaches a smooth pourable consistency. If too thin, cook it a bit longer over medium heat to reduce and thicken before layering with the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about a well-made batch of creamy scalloped potatoes, and this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. Simple ingredients come together to create layers of tender, flavorful goodness that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to elevate any meal into a memorable feast.
Print
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a creamy and flavorful sauce made with butter, onion, garlic, milk, and chicken broth. The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper, then layered and baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible comfort food perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
For the Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes, sliced about â…›-inch thick
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray and set aside to prepare your ingredients.
- Make the sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, removing the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole: Arrange a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour a portion of the sauce over the potatoes, and sprinkle lightly with some of the remaining salt and black pepper. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute red potatoes if you prefer, but Yukon gold potatoes yield the creamiest texture.
- Slicing the potatoes uniformly about â…›-inch thick ensures even cooking.
- The dish can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving for convenience.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To add a crispy topping, sprinkle shredded cheese or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
