What are scalloped potatoes and how are they made?

Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, usually made with milk or cream, butter, and seasonings. The potatoes are layered in a baking dish and covered with the sauce, then baked until tender and golden on top. Unlike dishes that include cheese in the sauce, traditional scalloped potatoes do not contain cheese, making them smooth and rich with a velvety texture.

How do scalloped potatoes differ from potatoes au gratin?

The main difference is that potatoes au gratin include cheese, often grated on top or mixed into the sauce, which creates a crispy, cheesy crust. Scalloped potatoes traditionally use a cream or milk-based sauce without cheese. However, many recipes and cooks use the terms interchangeably, especially when cheese is added to scalloped potatoes.

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes in advance and reheat them later?

Yes, scalloped potatoes can be made ahead of time. After baking, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. This makes scalloped potatoes a convenient side dish for holiday meals or gatherings.

What type of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

For scalloped potatoes, starchy or all-purpose potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal. Russets absorb the creamy sauce well and become tender when baked, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture with their natural buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they stay firm and may result in a less creamy dish.

How can I make scalloped potatoes healthier without losing flavor?

To lighten scalloped potatoes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use less butter or replace some with olive oil for healthy fats. Adding aromatics like garlic, onions, or fresh herbs enhances flavor without extra calories. Using reduced-fat cheese or skipping cheese altogether keeps the dish creamy but less rich, perfect for a balanced meal.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe With Creamy Sauce And Crispy Topping

Name: Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup whole milk; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/8-inch thick; ½ onion, thinly sliced; 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk

4 cloves garlic, grated

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/8-inch thick

½ onion, thinly sliced

1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1-Getting Started: Preheat and Prep First, turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick grease with butter to keep everything from sticking that’s your first win for easy cleanup later. Think of this as setting the stage for a show-stopping side dish.

2-Making the Sauce: Next, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of flour and whisk it constantly for about a minute to create a smooth roux. This base is what makes the sauce so velvety, just like that comforting hug in a bowl. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk, followed by 2 cups of vegetable broth, making sure no lumps form. Stir in 4 grated garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon pure magic in a pan.

3-Layering the Dish: Now for the fun part: layer half of your 3 pounds of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the dish. Top that with half of the ½ thinly sliced onion, then pour on half of your sauce and sprinkle 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat with the rest: potatoes, onion, sauce, and the final ½ cup of cheese.

4-Baking to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 35-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Let it sit for 20 minutes before serving that rest time lets the flavors settle in nicely.

Notes

🥔 Yukon Gold potatoes provide creamy texture and buttery flavor.
🔪 Slice potatoes thinly (about 1/8-inch) to ensure even cooking.
🥛 Using both vegetable broth and milk creates a lighter, flavorful sauce.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving