This creamy scalloped potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce, making it a perfect comfort food dish. The combination of heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and garlic creates a deliciously cheesy flavor that pairs well with any main course.
The recipe is straightforward and can be made ahead of time. With layers of potatoes and cheese, topped with a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next gathering.
Overview of Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy scalloped potatoes are a quintessential comfort food that never fails to impress. This dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
The combination of heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and aromatic ingredients like garlic and onion creates a rich flavor profile that elevates the humble potato.
Perfect for gatherings, this easy recipe can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests while the dish bakes to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients for Success
To create the perfect creamy scalloped potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with medium potatoes, sliced thin for even cooking.
Heavy cream and milk form the base of the creamy sauce, while butter adds richness. Aromatics like minced garlic and finely chopped onion enhance the flavor, and flour helps thicken the sauce.
Don’t forget the seasoning! Salt and pepper are essential, along with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to top it all off. For a finishing touch, consider an optional garnish of fresh parsley or chives.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your creamy scalloped potatoes will bake evenly.
Next, prepare your baking dish by greasing it with butter, which adds flavor and prevents sticking. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened. This step infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
Creating the Cream Sauce
Once the aromatics are ready, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.
Gradually mix together the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the sauce is well-balanced and flavorful.
Layering the Potatoes and Cheese
Now comes the fun part: layering! Spread a layer of sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream sauce on top. This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with creamy goodness.
Baking to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook until tender and absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce.
After this initial baking time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the top to become golden brown and bubbly.
If you desire an extra cheesy finish, uncover the dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the creamy scalloped potatoes to cool slightly before serving hot. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before presenting this crowd-pleasing dish at your table.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Print
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
This scalloped potatoes recipe includes tender sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, milk, and butter. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people. It’s a great side dish that can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch buttered dish with butter.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Make the Cream Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually mix together the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Potatoes: Spread a layer of sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream sauce on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Broil: For an extra cheesy top, uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving hot. Garnish with optional parsley or chives if desired.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, French, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 10
This recipe is part of my 35 Delicious Easter Side Dishes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
Click Here to learn more about me. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies.
- 35 Delicious Easter Side Dishes to Impress Your Guests - February 23, 2026
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Sugar Snap Peas - February 23, 2026
- Roasted Carrots with Pesto and Ricotta Recipe - February 23, 2026