If you are hunting for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then look no further than this Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a luscious mashup of tender Russet potatoes bathed in a dreamy, cheesy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, and just the right punch of pepper. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or part of a festive spread, this dish promises melty, rich, and velvety layers that bring smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that combine beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and indulgence. Each one plays a key role in giving those scalloped potatoes their signature creaminess, golden crust, and savory goodness.
- Russet Potatoes: Four to five medium ones, peeled and sliced thinly; they hold their shape well and absorb flavors perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: Two cups provide the rich, silky base for the sauce that coats every potato slice with indulgence.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: One to one and a half cups freshly shredded for an optimal melt and punch of flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons used to grease the dish and add that irresistible buttery essence.
- Minced Garlic: Two cloves to infuse a subtle aromatic depth that’s simply mouthwatering.
- Salt: One teaspoon, to enhance all the cozy flavors harmoniously.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness.
- Ground Nutmeg: A pinch for a hint of warmth and a surprising layer of complexity.
How to Make Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot the moment the potatoes go in. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish generously with the unsalted butter, which prevents sticking and adds buttery flavor as everything bakes together.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Peel your Russet potatoes and slice them thinly – aim for even slices about 1/8 inch thick for perfect tenderness. To keep these slices from turning brown while you prep, place them in a bowl of cold water. This simple step keeps your potatoes fresh and vibrant before assembly.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until its heavenly aroma fills your kitchen—about 1-2 minutes. Then add the heavy cream along with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let it gently simmer for 3-4 minutes to marry the flavors, stirring occasionally. Finally, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until it melts smoothly into a luscious sauce that’s thick enough to cling to every potato slice.
Step 4: Assemble the Scalloped Layers
Drain your potato slices well and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—excess water will prevent the sauce from thickening properly. Now, layer half of the potatoes evenly in the buttered dish, then spoon half of the cheese sauce over them. Add the remaining potatoes in another layer and cover with the rest of the sauce. This layering ensures every bite is packed with creamy and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This step gently cooks the potatoes through. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered. This allows the top to turn beautifully golden-brown and bubbly—guaranteeing that signature scalloped potatoes crust that’s both crispy and irresistible. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes to let everything set and become easier to serve.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish shines on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a lovely pop of color. A light dusting of extra sharp cheddar or a few crispy fried onions on top can also elevate the texture and add an appealing crunch.
Side Dishes
This Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. If you want to keep the meal lighter, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions, perfect for dinner parties. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor nestled between the creamy layers. It’s a versatile canvas that welcomes your culinary imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover scalloped potatoes tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for around 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions by placing cooled, uncovered casserole pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen scalloped potatoes last up to 2 months. Just remember freezing might slightly change the texture, but reheating will bring back much of the original indulgent creaminess.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. You can also microwave smaller portions but keep a close eye to avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of cream before reheating can help restore moisture and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because of their starchy texture that holds up to baking while absorbing the creamy sauce. Yukon Gold can be used as a milder alternative, but waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings won’t give the same fluffy tenderness.
Can I substitute milk for the heavy cream?
You can use whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will not be as rich or creamy. To compensate, you might add a bit of flour to thicken or extra cheese to boost creaminess, but nothing quite matches the indulgent texture that heavy cream provides.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. Thin slices cook evenly and absorb the cheese sauce thoroughly, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth layers. Too thick, and the potatoes may remain undercooked or heavy.
Is it necessary to soak the sliced potatoes in water?
Yes, soaking in cold water prevents oxidation, which turns peeled potatoes an unappetizing brown. Soaking also removes some surface starch, helping the layers bake more evenly and preventing them from sticking together.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even smoked paprika can add exciting flavor notes. Just be mindful not to overpower the classic cheesy garlic base—add herbs sparingly for a balanced, enhanced dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that captures comfort and flavor all in one bite. It’s beginner-friendly, uses humble ingredients, and produces a crowd-pleaser every time. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love—it just might become your next go-to side that everyone requests again and again.
Print
Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe offers a rich and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced Russet potatoes layered with a luscious sharp cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic and nutmeg, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4–5 medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
- 1 – 1.5 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Place the slices in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to the saucepan. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Layer Potatoes: Drain the potato slices and pat them dry thoroughly. Layer the potatoes evenly in the greased casserole dish, pouring portions of the cheese sauce between layers for maximum creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving to set the dish and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water prevents oxidation and browning.
- Covering the dish while baking helps cook the potatoes evenly and keeps them moist.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
