Best Scalloped Potatoes

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these creamy, cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes. Layered with tender potatoes and rich cheese sauce, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will delight your guests and become a holiday favorite. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these scalloped potatoes complement any main dish and bring warmth to your holiday table.

Harper Collins

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2025-11-26T07:54:49.666Z

A delectable side dish, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress at any gathering!

The Perfect Side Dish for Every Occasion

Scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you are hosting a grand Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family gathering, or a casual weeknight dinner, these creamy, cheesy potatoes are sure to impress. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from roasted turkey to juicy steak, making them a go-to choice for any occasion.

Their rich flavors and creamy texture not only satisfy the taste buds but also add a delightful visual appeal to your table. With their golden-brown top and tender layers, scalloped potatoes bring a touch of comfort food elegance that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Tips for Perfectly Layered Scalloped Potatoes

To achieve the best results, it's crucial to slice your potatoes as uniformly as possible. This ensures even cooking and prevents some slices from becoming mushy while others are undercooked. A mandoline slicer can be particularly helpful for achieving that perfect thickness quickly and efficiently.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to make this dish your own. While cheddar is a classic choice, blending it with Gruyere or Parmesan can add an extra depth of flavor that will take your scalloped potatoes to the next level.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Best Scalloped Potatoes

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Mix and prepare your ingredients ahead of time for the best results.

Instructions

Steps to Make Best Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Layer Ingredients

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the chopped onions and half of the cheese.

Add Seasoning

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over the layers.

Repeat Layers

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Add Cream

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top layer.

Bake

Dot the top with butter and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the layers set.

Enhancing Your Scalloped Potatoes

If you're looking to add more flavor to your scalloped potatoes, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Chopping a tablespoon of your favorite herb and mixing it into the layers can elevate the flavor profile even more, giving your dish a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness.

You can also customize the dish by adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even cooked bacon between the layers. These additions not only enhance the taste but also add nutrients, making your scalloped potatoes a more balanced side dish.

Common Questions About Scalloped Potatoes

One common question is whether you can prepare scalloped potatoes in advance. Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra few minutes to the cooking time, as the potatoes will be starting from a cooler temperature.

Another question often asked is about the best type of potatoes to use. While russet potatoes provide a fluffy texture, Yukon gold potatoes offer a creamier consistency. Depending on your preference for texture, you can mix different types or stick to just one variety for the entire dish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella.

→ Can scalloped potatoes be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything a day before and bake just before serving.

Best Scalloped Potatoes

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these creamy, cheesy Best Scalloped Potatoes. Layered with tender potatoes and rich cheese sauce, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will delight your guests and become a holiday favorite. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these scalloped potatoes complement any main dish and bring warmth to your holiday table.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration1 hour
Overall Time1 hour 20 minutes

Created by: Harper Collins

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Best Scalloped Potatoes

  1. 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  2. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  3. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  4. 2 cups heavy cream
  5. 2 tablespoons butter
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  8. 1 teaspoon paprika

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the chopped onions and half of the cheese.

Step 03

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over the layers.

Step 04

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Step 05

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top layer.

Step 06

Dot the top with butter and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 8g