Name: Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup Butter; 1 large Onion, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; ¼ cup All-purpose flour; 2 cups Milk; 1 cup Chicken broth ((or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)); ½ teaspoon Salt; ¼ teaspoon Black pepper; 3 pounds White or Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ⅛ inch thick; Salt and pepper to taste ((for seasoning layers))

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Creamy, cozy, and irresistibly golden on top, Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. With thinly sliced white potatoes layered between a rich, savory cream sauce, this classic recipe is perfect for everything from holiday dinners to casual family meals. Each bite is tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with hints of onion, garlic, and a touch of broth for depth.

The first time I made these for Thanksgiving, I barely had time to sit down before the dish was scraped clean. That beautifully browned top with bubbling, creamy layers underneath? Pure magic. If you’ve loved our Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole or Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, these scalloped potatoes are the next must-make on your list. So let’s turn a humble potato into something truly spectacular.

What is Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped Potatoes are a traditional baked side dish made from thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy, buttery sauce and baked until tender and golden. They’re named for the method of layering the “scallops” or slices, and not because they contain any seafood—common misconception! Think of it as the potato version of lasagna, with a smooth, velvety white sauce instead of cheese or meat. And you know what they say: “The way to a food lover’s heart is through a bubbling casserole of potatoes!” These deliver every time.

Why You’ll Love This:

There’s a reason scalloped potatoes are a favorite on dinner tables across the world. Here’s why they’re so beloved:

Classic comfort: The combination of tender potatoes and creamy sauce is warm, satisfying, and endlessly crave-worthy.
No fancy ingredients needed: Made with pantry staples, this dish feels gourmet without the fuss.
Perfect for any occasion: Holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, potlucks—you name it, these potatoes fit right in.

If you love Potato Gratin or Loaded Mashed Potatoes, scalloped potatoes bring that same creamy, carby joy—no cheese required (though we won’t stop you if you add some!).

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Quick Overview

This recipe takes a little bit of prep time to build the sauce and slice the potatoes, but the baking does most of the work. You’ll layer everything in a dish, bake until bubbly, and broil for that irresistible golden finish.

Ingredients:

¼ cup butter
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Make the Cream Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter, then add the diced onion and garlic.
Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Add Liquid:

Reduce heat to low.
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth a little at a time, allowing the mixture to thicken between additions.
Once all the liquid is added, increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil while whisking.
Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper.

4. Assemble:

Layer ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour ⅓ of the sauce over the top.
Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with the final layer of sauce on top.

5. Bake:

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
For a beautifully crisp top, broil for 3–4 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!

6. Rest and Serve:

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

What to Serve Scalloped Potatoes With

Scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of mains. Here are some crowd-pleasing combos:

Glazed ham or roast turkey for holiday dinners
Grilled or roasted chicken for a comforting Sunday supper
Steak or pork chops for a hearty, indulgent meal
Green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach for balance
A simple green salad to keep things fresh and light

They’re also a great addition to brunch buffets alongside quiche or frittata.

Top Tips for Perfecting Scalloped Potatoes

Use a mandoline for slicing: Even slices cook more evenly and give a prettier presentation.
Don’t rush the sauce: Adding the milk slowly helps create a perfectly smooth, creamy base.
Layer evenly: Make sure each layer of potatoes is spread out and covered with sauce to avoid dry spots.
Let it rest: The sauce thickens as it cools, giving you neater slices and more defined layers.
Make it ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Just add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze: You can freeze baked scalloped potatoes, though the texture may change slightly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as above.

FAQs

Can I add cheese?
Yes! While traditional scalloped potatoes don’t include cheese, feel free to stir in 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the sauce for a gratin-style twist.

What kind of potatoes work best?
White or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect. They hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not necessarily! If you prefer a rustic look and feel, scrub and slice them with the skins on.

Conclusion

Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of classic, cozy side dish that never goes out of style. Rich, creamy, and baked to bubbly golden perfection, they’re the perfect partner to so many meals—from holiday feasts to weeknight comfort food. Whether you serve them up for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, these potatoes are sure to be the highlight of your plate.