If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that feels both elegant and homey, this Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. Layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce with a hint of garlic and warm spices make every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a simple meal into a celebration and is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe plays a vital role—from the creamy milk that melds everything together, to the delicate spices that bring warmth and depth. These simple staples combine to create layers of luscious flavor and perfect texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions to mellow sweetness.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle, savory base note when softened just right.
- Garlic: Infuses a gentle pungency that lifts the dish’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce to coat the potatoes beautifully.
- Whole milk: Creates a velvety, smooth sauce that envelops every potato slice.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory umami touch to the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the richness through every layer.
- Garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor tastefully and evenly.
- Paprika: Offers a hint of smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the dish.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and tender texture make them ideal for thin, even slices that bake into soft layers.
How to Make Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your scalloped potatoes don’t stick and helps them brown beautifully during baking. Getting this step right sets the stage for success.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Sauté slowly until the onions are soft and translucent but not browned—approximately 8 minutes—this gentle cooking unlocks their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just one more minute, releasing its aroma without risking bitterness. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for your sauce.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes—a crucial step to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth with no lumps in sight, then add the milk. Now, season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring everything up to a gentle boil and cook until the sauce thickens—about one minute. This sauce is the heart of your Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, rich, velvety, and full of the cozy flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Layer Your Potatoes and Sauce
Spread a little sauce on the bottom of your prepared dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor to the first layer of potatoes. Arrange one-third of your thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes in an even layer, sprinkle with a bit of salt, and then spoon over one-third of the sauce. Repeat this layering twice more, ending with the sauce on top. This careful layering creates the signature scalloped effect that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This steaming time allows the potatoes to begin softening. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top has formed a lovely golden crust. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—if the top starts to brown too fast, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe rest for about 10 minutes to let the sauce set and flavors meld. This resting period guarantees clean slices and the best texture before serving. Then, dig in and savor the creamy, comforting goodness!
How to Serve Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a splash of color and a fresh note that beautifully contrasts with the richness. For an extra touch, some grated sharp cheddar cheese or crispy fried onions on top right before serving adds fantastic texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a roasted meat like chicken, pork, or beef, soaking up the juices and complementing the creamy potatoes. For a balanced plate, add a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to brighten the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch at your dinner party. You can also add layers of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions in between your potato slices for extra depth. A drizzle of truffle oil just before serving can elevate this humble side into something truly spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your scalloped potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days and remain just as delicious reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can substitute with russet potatoes. Keep in mind russets tend to be starchier, which can affect the creaminess and structure of the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This swap keeps the flavor rich while making the dish suitable for vegetarians without losing depth.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slicing the potatoes about 1/10 to 1/8 inch thick ensures they cook evenly and become tender while maintaining their shape. Using a mandoline slicer can make this step much easier and safer.
Can I add cheese to this scalloped potatoes recipe?
Certainly! Adding cheese like sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the sauce or sprinkled between layers can create a luscious, cheesy variation. Just be mindful to adjust the seasoning since cheese adds saltiness.
What is the best way to prevent the topping from burning?
If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. This slows the browning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is proof that simple ingredients and a bit of patience transform into something special and comforting. Its creamy layers and fragrant spices hug every bite with warmth, making it a dish you’ll want to share again and again. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this timeless favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
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Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with butter, sautéed onion and garlic, chicken broth, and whole milk. Seasoned with classic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and nutmeg, this comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/10 – 1/8 inch thick)
Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook onion and garlic: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s softened but not browned, about 8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Reduce heat to medium-low to prepare for sauce making.
- Make sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Then whisk in the whole milk. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, paprika, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook until it thickens, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble: Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes over the sauce, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and then spread one-third of the remaining sauce on top. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the final layer of sauce.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the browning, and if the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it again with foil to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly for easier serving and a better texture. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful scalloped potatoes!
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape well when baked.
- Slice potatoes uniformly (1/10 to 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce after thickening to suit your taste.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning during the final baking stage.
- Letting the potatoes rest before serving allows the sauce to thicken for better slicing and presentation.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
