If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes layered with sweet onions and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a truly special side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. You’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a dish full of flavor and comfort. Each component brings something unique: from the buttery richness of Yukon gold potatoes to the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, every bite is a delight.
- Yukon gold potatoes (2 ½ lbs., sliced ⅛-inch): Their creamy texture and natural buttery flavor make these potatoes ideal for scalloped dishes.
- Small sweet onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and a delicate crunch that enhances every layer.
- Butter (4 Tbsp.): Provides richness and forms the base for the sauce; can be swapped with oil for a dairy-free option.
- Salt (1 ¼ tsp., to taste): Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Pepper (½ tsp., to taste): Adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp.): Elevates the savory profile with a gentle garlic aroma.
- Flour (¼ cup, gluten-free 1-to-1): Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Milk (2 cups; almond, cashew, or soy milk can be used): The creamy base for the sauce, lending moisture and silkiness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): Provides a bold, tangy cheese flavor that melts into gooey perfection.
How to Make Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes and onions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to have it ready for baking. Thinly slice the Yukon gold potatoes into ⅛-inch pieces using a mandoline or food processor for perfectly even slices. If you don’t have one, slicing by hand works just fine—just aim for consistency to ensure even cooking. Thinly slice your small sweet onion as well to layer in between the potatoes, adding a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Step 2: Make the creamy cheese sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, whisk in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and gluten-free flour until the mixture forms a thick paste. This is your flavor-packed roux, the key to that luscious sauce. Slowly add milk, about half a cup at a time, whisking thoroughly before the next addition. It takes around 5 minutes to get a smooth, gravy-thick consistency that will coat the potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the cheese
With the heat turned off, stir in ¾ cup of sharp cheddar cheese into your sauce. This step is what makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy and creamy. The cheese melts into the warm sauce, creating a rich layer that ties all the ingredients together in every bite.
Step 4: Layer the scalloped potatoes
Lightly spray a 2 ½ quart baking dish or a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick spray. Begin with half of the potato slices, followed by half of the onions, and then half of the cheesy sauce. Repeat the layers to use up the rest of your ingredients. This layering creates distinct pockets of flavor and texture throughout the dish.
Step 5: Bake the potatoes
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes in your preheated oven. This steaming under foil helps the potatoes become tender and soak up all those creamy flavors. After the initial bake, uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly and delicious.
Step 6: Optional finishing touches
If you’re a fan of a golden, slightly crispy topping, turn your broiler to high and pop the scalloped potatoes under it for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and you’ll end up with a delightful crust that adds a lovely textural contrast. Let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to set and flavors to meld.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is beautiful on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each creamy bite. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky depth, perfect if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty main courses like roast chicken, beef brisket, or glazed ham. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it an ideal comfort food companion at your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins baked with a crispy cheese topping. Alternatively, layer leftovers in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers of potatoes, onion, and sauce. This visual appeal makes it just as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying. When storing, keep the cheese topping intact for the best texture.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes quite well. To freeze, place cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, typically about 20-25 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven method keeps the dish creamy and evenly heated without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for the recipe?
While Yukon gold potatoes give a creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor, you can substitute russet potatoes if needed. Just remember russets are starchier and might make the dish a bit drier, so keep the sauce creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or cashew milk and swap butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Choose dairy-free cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.
Why is the sauce thickening important?
The roux-based sauce thickens to coat the potatoes perfectly without being runny, creating that signature creamy texture. Adding milk gradually and whisking helps it thicken smoothly without lumps.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! You can assemble the scalloped potatoes and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld even more. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
After baking, switch your oven to broil and cook the scalloped potatoes under high heat for 2-3 minutes. Watch very closely to get a golden, bubbly crust without burning it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and creaminess that this Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe brings to your table. It’s simple enough to make any day but impressive enough for holiday dinners and gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to comfort foods that never disappoints. So grab your potatoes, cheese, and a little patience—the perfect layered potato dish is waiting for you!
Print
Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender Yukon gold potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with a blend of butter, garlic, and sharp cheddar. Perfectly layered with sweet onions and topped with melted cheese, this classic comfort dish is simple to prepare and ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 2 ½ lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (cut into ⅛-inch slices)
- 1 small sweet onion (thinly sliced)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 Tbsp. butter (or oil)
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp. pepper (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ cup flour (gluten-free, 1-to-1)
- 2 cups milk (almond, cashew, or soy milk can be used)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (divided: ¾ cup for sauce, ¼ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline, food processor with a slicing blade, or knife, slice the Yukon gold potatoes into very thin â…›-inch slices for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then whisk in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and flour to form a thick paste indicating the roux is ready.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, ½ cup at a time, allowing the sauce to thicken between additions. This process takes about 5 minutes and creates a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened and all milk is incorporated, turn off the heat and stir in ¾ cup of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Spray a 2 ½ quart baking dish or 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Create the first layer with half the potato slices, then layer half the sliced onions, followed by half the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Bake: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese and lightly brown the top.
- Optional Broiling: For a crispy topping, switch the oven to broil on high and cook the potatoes for 2-3 more minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to set before serving and enjoy the creamy, cheesy dish.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly thin potato slices which helps in even baking.
- Alternative milk options like almond, cashew, or soy milk work well for a dairy-free variation.
- Covering the dish during baking ensures the potatoes cook thoroughly without drying out.
- Broiling at the end adds a deliciously crispy cheese topping but requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Letting the dish rest improves texture and prevents it from being too runny when served.
