Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth and creamy indulgence to the table, look no further than this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. With layers of tender potatoes and onions bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce, baked to golden perfection, this dish feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s a classic that never fails to impress, thanks to its beautiful balance of textures and rich flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe shine. Each element plays an essential role: the potatoes provide comforting heartiness, the onions add aromatic sweetness, and the flour helps create that signature creamy sauce without any fuss.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and helps with even browning.
- 5-6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8-1/4 inch thick): Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the dish.
- 3 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy base for the sauce, making every bite luscious.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the milk into a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each slice of potato.
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt: Seasoning is crucial to bring out the natural flavors.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spice that punches up the taste without overwhelming it.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional): For a savory, tangy kick and a beautiful golden crust on top.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which ensures the potatoes will cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking while providing just the right amount of crispiness on the edges.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Onions
Start by spreading a layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of your dish. Then sprinkle half of the sliced onions on top followed by 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Repeat this layering one more time: potatoes, onions, salt, and pepper. Finally, add a last layer of potatoes seasoned again with salt and pepper. This layering technique ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until smooth. Carefully pour this mixture over the layered potatoes — it should nearly cover them. If needed, add a little extra milk so every slice is surrounded in that rich, creamy goodness. This sauce is the heart of your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, creating a meltingly tender experience.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the optional grated Romano cheese evenly over the top to add a savory, slightly salty punch that enhances the overall flavor and creates a beautifully crisp top once baked. Place your dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and roasted onions as the potatoes soften and the top browns to perfection.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to cut perfect portions. Plus, it gives the sauce time to thicken just enough so that every forkful is creamy yet holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that livens up the rich Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. For an extra touch, a light dusting of paprika or even a drizzle of browned butter can elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, soaking up all those savory juices. Bright green vegetables such as steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad add refreshing contrast and keep the meal well-balanced and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets to create a charming rustic feel. Layering in a handful of crispy bacon bits or caramelized shallots can add exciting texture and flavor twists that surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This lets you enjoy homemade comfort without any extra prep on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the dish by placing them in airtight freezer-safe containers. For best quality, consume within 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve that creamy texture and prevent separation.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the scalloped potatoes with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can remove the foil near the end to refresh the crispy top, bringing back that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture that creates a creamy consistency, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes can be used if you prefer a waxier bite. Just be mindful that waxier potatoes might not become quite as tender.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk and use a dairy-free cooking spray. You can skip the Romano cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other ingredients like garlic or herbs?
Definitely! Adding minced garlic, thyme, or rosemary to the milk mixture or layering fresh herbs with the potatoes introduces wonderful complexity. Just be careful not to overpower the classic creamy flavor that makes this recipe so beloved.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce seems too thick, slowly whisk in a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, mix a bit more flour with milk, or sprinkle some flour over the potato layers to help absorb excess liquid during baking.
How can I get a crispier top on my scalloped potatoes?
For that coveted crispy top layer, ensure your dish is uncovered while baking, and sprinkle the Romano cheese generously on top. You can also finish with a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra comfort and joy to your dining table. It’s such a timeless dish that’s simple to prepare, yet feels like a special treat every time you make it. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes and onions baked in a luscious flour and milk sauce, topped with optional Romano cheese for added flavor. Perfectly golden and crispy on top, this comforting side dish takes just over an hour to prepare and serve 8 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- 5–6 cups thinly sliced potatoes (1/8–1/4 inch thick)
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer potatoes and onions: Begin by layering the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions on top, followed by 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Repeat the layering process with the remaining onions and seasoning, finishing with a top layer of potatoes seasoned with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Make sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until you achieve a smooth mixture. Pour this sauce over the layered potatoes and onions, adding extra milk if necessary to just cover the layers without submerging them completely.
- Add cheese (optional): Evenly sprinkle the grated Romano cheese over the top of the assembled dish if you choose to use it. This will add a savory depth and enhance browning.
- Bake uncovered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour. Bake until the scalloped potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy, signaling that it is ready.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps set the sauce for easier serving. Then, serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option.
- Ensure potatoes are uniformly sliced to cook evenly; using a mandoline slicer can help.
- Do not cover the dish during baking to maintain a crispy top layer.
- If you prefer a richer dish, consider adding grated cheddar cheese along with or instead of Romano.
- Resting the dish before serving helps the sauce thicken and improves sliceability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
