Golden, creamy, cheesy, and hearty, layered cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or even a Sunday indulgence, this dish promises to impress. With its velvety cheddar sauce and perfectly tender golden potato slices, this classic side is satisfying, nostalgic, and downright delicious.
Curious about how this dish became a staple on dinner tables, what makes it so irresistible, and how you can perfect it at home? Keep reading for history, step-by-step instructions, tips, and ideas to make your scalloped potatoes truly unforgettable.
A Brief History of Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes trace their roots to European culinary traditions, particularly in countries like France and England. The term “scalloped” historically referred to the technique of layering thinly sliced foods, often in a creamy sauce, to create a baked casserole-style dish. The inclusion of cheese became popular over time, particularly in the U.S., making the dish richer and more indulgent.
Similar dishes, like France’s gratin dauphinois, highlight subtle variations in preparation but share the same essence of combining cream, potatoes, and baking to perfection. Today, scalloped potatoes span cultures, often customized regionally with unique flavors and cheeses.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Use a Mandoline: For evenly sliced potatoes, consider using a mandoline slicer. Even slices ensure your potatoes cook uniformly.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the butter and flour together prevents the sauce from turning lumpy, creating that flawlessly creamy texture.
- Cheese Variations: Add a touch of Parmesan or gruyere for an extra cheesy crust and depth of flavor.
- Opt for Creamier Potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russet potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes due to their starch content and ability to absorb flavor while maintaining texture.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are versatile and can complement an array of dishes. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Roast Meats: Pair with roast chicken, glazed ham, or tender beef brisket for a hearty main course.
- Vegetarian Feast: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad for a balanced vegetarian meal.
- Classic Comforts: Complement with honey butter cornbread or warm dinner rolls to complete the comfort-food experience.
- Seafood Delights: Pair with seafood classics like seared salmon or buttery shrimp for a decadent surf and turf meal.
- Savory Soups: Serve as a side to hearty soups, such as creamy potato soup or beef and barley stew.
- Grilled Goodness: Add grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops for a summertime BBQ feast.
- Holiday Favorites: Scalloped potatoes are a staple for holiday meals, serving as the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or planning a full meal spread, scalloped potatoes are sure to be
Variations to Try
Scalloped potatoes can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some delicious variations to inspire you:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a layer of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan between the potato slices for an extra cheesy dish.
- Garlic and Herb: Incorporate minced garlic, fresh thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Smoky Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces throughout the layers for a smoky and savory addition.
- Spiced Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Creamy Mushroom: Include sautéed mushrooms in the sauce to bring an earthy depth to the dish.
Nutritional Snapshot
Curious about the nutritional breakdown? Here’s a basic overview (per serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that swapping ingredients, like using milk instead of cream or opting for lighter cheeses, will adjust these values.
Layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Chef’s Knife or Mandoline
Ingredients
- 2 lbs golden potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh thyme optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13" baking dish.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1½ cups of cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Pour over half of the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Step 5: Top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix to maintain the desired texture and consistency.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To create a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese, milk instead of cream, and reducing the amount of butter. These swaps will lower the calorie and fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make it a day in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For prolonged storage, place it in the freezer for up to a month.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Of course! This recipe is versatile. You can mix in ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or fresh herbs to customize it to your taste. Experiment and make it your own!
Why You Should Try Layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Today
Layered cheesy scalloped potatoes are the dish you turn to when you want to wow your guests or elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. The combination of golden layers, rich, cheesy goodness, and a hint of fresh thyme guarantees this recipe will become a household favorite.