Here’s a classic Best Scalloped Potatoes recipe—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked until golden and tender.
Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce, often with cheese for extra comfort-food flavor.
🥔 Ingredients
- 4–5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (or half milk, half cream)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional: thyme or parsley
🍳 Instructions
1. Prep potatoes
- Peel (optional) and slice potatoes very thin
- Keep slices even for uniform cooking
2. Make creamy sauce
- Melt butter in a pan
- Add garlic and cook briefly
- Stir in flour (1–2 minutes)
- Slowly whisk in milk
- Cook until slightly thick
- Add salt, pepper, and paprika
3. Layer the dish
- In a baking dish:
- Layer potatoes
- Pour sauce
- Sprinkle cheese
- Repeat layers until finished
Top layer = sauce + lots of cheese
4. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–60 minutes
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden
5. Rest before serving
- Let sit 10 minutes so it sets properly
💡 Tips for best results
- Slice potatoes evenly (mandoline helps)
- Don’t skip resting time—it helps structure
- Add cheese between layers for extra richness
- A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds depth
🧠 Bottom line
Scalloped potatoes are all about thin layers + creamy sauce + slow baking, creating a soft, rich, and comforting dish with a golden top.
If you want, I can also give:
- extra cheesy restaurant-style version
- no-cheese classic French version
- or a quick 30-minute shortcut recipe 👍
