Name: Cheesy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes You'll Crave Again
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 6 cloves Garlic, minced (Use dried garlic if in a pinch); 2 cups Whole Milk (Low-fat milk is a substitute option); 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, divided (Table salt can substitute but use less); ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (White pepper can be used as an alternative); 1 medium Onion, diced (Shallots or green onions work as substitutes); 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Use olive oil for a dairy-free version); 3 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (About 6 to 8 medium); 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (A gluten-free flour can also work); 6 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Mix with other cheeses like Gruyère if desired); 1 ounce Parmesan Cheese, shredded (Pecorino Romano can be a substitute)

0 Shares

There’s nothing quite like the welcoming embrace of creamy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes wafting through your kitchen. As I layered those thin slices of Yukon Gold potatoes, each one kissed by the rich, cheesy sauce, I was reminded of family gatherings, where this comfort food never failed to steal the spotlight. It’s the type of dish that invites friends and loved ones to gather around the table, fork in hand, eager to dive into those golden, bubbling layers.

After a long week of hassle and fast food, this recipe emerged as my delicious savior, combining simplicity with flavors that feel indulgent. Trust me, you don’t need heavy creams or complicated béchamel sauces to achieve that creamy texture and mouthwatering taste everyone craves. Just a few humble ingredients and a bit of love are all you need to create a memorable side dish that will leave your guests raving and asking for seconds. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home, these scalloped potatoes are ready to grace your table and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Scalloped Potatoes?

Comforting and Classic: Each bite offers a hug of cheesy goodness that’s nostalgic and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples create magic without fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family gatherings, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
Versatile Dish: Pair it with roasts, grilled meats, or serve as a standout dish for any holiday.
Make Ahead Option: Prep in advance and bake when ready—saving you time and stress in the kitchen!

Delicious Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

For the Creamy Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; consider using olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) – Enhances flavor depth; shallots or green onions work well as substitutes.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced) – Provides aromatic flavor; in a pinch, dried garlic can take its place.
• Whole Milk (2 cups) – Creates a creamy sauce base; substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version, though creaminess may be affected.
• Kosher Salt (2 teaspoons, divided) – Enhances overall flavor; regular table salt can substitute but use less as it’s saltier.
• Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Adds mild spice; switch to white pepper for an invisible alternative.

For the Potatoes
• Yukon Gold Potatoes (3 pounds, about 6 to 8 medium) – Forms the dish’s body, contributing to its creaminess; Russett potatoes can work, but expect a different texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons) – Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce; a gluten-free flour will also do the job.

For the Cheesy Topping
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (6 ounces, shredded) – Provides rich cheesiness and depth; feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère for added complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 ounce, shredded) – Adds a savory flavor that browns beautifully; Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute.

These ingredients are the foundation for your homemade scalloped potatoes, promising comfort and cheesy goodness at every family meal!

How to Make Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the aroma fills the air and the onion is softened.
Stir in the whole milk gradually, mixing well. Then, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ground black pepper, allowing the mixture to warm up without boiling.
Toss the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of flour until they are evenly coated. This will help thicken the sauce as they bake.
Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the prepared casserole dish. Pour a portion of the creamy milk mixture over the potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining milk mixture, and top everything off with a generous layer of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes if you desire a little extra crispiness on top, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Let rest for a few minutes once out of the oven to help the sauce thicken before serving, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Homemade Scalloped Potatoes?

Elevate your meal by pairing these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes with complementary dishes that enhance their comforting flavors.

Juicy Roast Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken adds a savory contrast that beautifully balances the richness of the potatoes.
Honey Glazed Carrots: The sweet and slightly caramelized flavors of the carrots bring a delightful pop of color and freshness to your table.
Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic make a vibrant side that contrasts with the creamy decadence of the potatoes.
Herbed Grilled Salmon: The light, flaky texture of salmon, coupled with fresh herbs, creates a lovely seafood pairing that complements the potato’s richness perfectly.
Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a bright, zesty balance to the creamy comfort of scalloped potatoes.
Red Wine: A glass of fruity red wine, like Pinot Noir, enhances the flavors and adds a touch of elegance to your hearty meal.

These pairings will take your homemade scalloped potatoes to the next level, creating a memorable dining experience for family and friends.

Storage Tips for Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Fridge: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Wrap cooled scalloped potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, around 20-30 minutes.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a convenient choice for gatherings!

Variations & Substitutions for Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Feel free to put your unique spin on this comforting dish! Here are some delightful ideas to customize your homemade scalloped potatoes.

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or cashew milk and use vegan cheese for a creamy, plant-based version.
Your guests won’t even know they are missing out on dairy—with all the flavor still intact!
Herbed Twist: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme between the layers for a fragrant herbaceous touch.
A little rosemary can elevate the dish, making it feel truly gourmet.
Spicy Kick: Mix in sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the layers for a spicy surprise!
If you’re a heat-lover, this variation adds that extra zing to every creamy bite.
Cheesy Blend: Experiment with cheese varieties; try Gouda for a smoky sweetness or a mix of aged cheddar and Gruyère for complexity.
Blending cheeses can result in a richer flavor profile that enchants the palate.
Bacon Delight: Incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta between layers for a delightful savory crunch.
The umami flavor from crispy bacon adds a welcome texture and taste to the creamy layers.
Vegetable Medley: Layer in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrients and color.
This not only adds freshness but also makes for a heartier dish, perfect for any gathering.
Nutty Flavor: Top with crushed seasoned nuts or breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful crunchy topping.
That extra texture on top makes the dish more inviting and adds an appealing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Caramelized Onions: Swap the fresh onion for caramelized onions, which will bring a sweet depth of flavor.
Caramelized onions enhance the overall sweetness and create a rich flavor base that’s hard to resist.

With these variations, you can turn a classic comfort food into something truly special every time!

Expert Tips for Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Uniform Slices: Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve perfect, even potato slices, ensuring they cook uniformly and absorb the creamy sauce thoroughly.
Don’t Pre-cook Potatoes: Avoid parboiling the potatoes before baking. Raw slices in the layering process help create a nice texture with the creamy sauce as it thickens during baking.
Adjust Bake Time: If you opt for a deeper casserole dish, increase the baking time slightly. This ensures the potatoes become tender all the way through while the top turns beautifully golden.
First Layer Moisture: Start your layering with a little of the milk mixture. This prevents the bottom layer from sticking and creates a delightful, creamy base for your homemade scalloped potatoes.
Personalize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses for your topping. Trying out combinations like cheddar and Gruyère or adding a sprinkle of smoked gouda can elevate the dish’s flavor.
Let Rest Before Serving: Be patient! Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This will allow the sauce to thicken and make serving tidier.

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the entire dish through the layering stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping everything fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop the dish directly into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for the same duration as you would fresh, adjusting bake time by a few minutes if the dish is still cool from the fridge. This make-ahead option ensures you have a delicious meal ready to go, just like freshly made, with minimal effort!

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right potatoes for homemade scalloped potatoes?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, as they have a naturally creamy texture that lends itself beautifully to this dish. Look for potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from dark spots or blemishes. If you can’t find Yukon Golds, Russet potatoes can be used instead, though they will yield a different texture.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftover homemade scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until they’re warmed through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious!

Can I freeze homemade scalloped potatoes for later?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first let the potatoes cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and follow with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Homemade scalloped potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.

What should I do if my scalloped potatoes are too watery?
If your scalloped potatoes turn out watery, don’t worry! This can happen if the potatoes release too much moisture. To fix it, you can try to amp up the flavor by letting the dish sit uncovered for about 10-15 minutes after baking; this helps thicken the sauce as it cools. If you find yourself in that situation next time, consider using less milk or adding a bit more flour to the potato mixture before layering.

Are there any dietary considerations for homemade scalloped potatoes?
Very! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use olive oil instead of butter. If anyone has gluten sensitivities, feel free to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check cheese labels as well, as some brands may use additives.

Can I prepare homemade scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
You certainly can! One of my favorite tricks is to layer the potatoes and sauce ahead of time. Prepare the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves you time on the day of your gathering but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Just remember to adjust the baking time as needed.