Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a comforting classic that turn simple sliced potatoes into a rich, cheesy masterpiece. This dish features tender Yukon gold potatoes baked in a silky Parmesan sauce, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk/half & half)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a ceramic baking dish.
2. Step 2: Peel and slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3. Step 3: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in cream and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Stir in Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. Step 7: Add potatoes and gently toss to coat in sauce.
8. Step 8: Arrange potato slices upright in the baking dish and pour remaining sauce on top.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle extra Parmesan for a golden crust.
10. Step 10: Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
11. Step 11: Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline for evenly thin slices to ensure even cooking.
• Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herb flavor.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half & half.
• Add cooked crispy bacon or caramelized onions between layers for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover scalloped potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain texture and creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready.

What potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon gold hold their shape well and have a creamy texture, making them ideal for this dish.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 85 reviews

This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with fresh thyme. The potatoes are layered upright in a baking dish, then baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in a luscious and comforting side dish perfect for any meal.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced

Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk/half & half)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme

Seasoning

• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the Yukon gold potatoes and thinly slice them using a mandoline or a sharp knife for even cooking and a delicate texture.
3. Make Garlic Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
4. Create Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, which will help thicken your sauce later.
5. Add Cream: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and continue cooking the mixture for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, forming a creamy base.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, blending until smooth and flavorful.
7. Coat Potatoes: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly in the creamy mixture.
8. Arrange Potatoes: Place the potato slices upright in the greased baking dish, then pour any remaining sauce over the top to ensure full coverage.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a delicious golden crust while baking.
10. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
12. Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly for perfect slices.

Notes

• Using Yukon gold potatoes adds a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
• Thin slicing ensures the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce well.
• You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half & half for a lighter sauce.
• Adding fresh thyme imparts a subtle herbaceous note complementing the creamy cheese sauce.
• Covering with foil during the first half of baking prevents the dish from drying out.
• Letting the dish rest before serving helps the scalloped potatoes hold together when sliced.
• Use a mandoline carefully to avoid injury when slicing potatoes thinly.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, Parmesan potatoes, side dish, Yukon gold potatoes, comfort food