Traditional Scalloped Potatoes: A Creamy, Comforting Classic 🥔🧀✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of a classic dish. And when it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes rival the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness of traditional scalloped potatoes. This dish, with its thinly sliced potatoes lovingly bathed in a luscious, homemade cream sauce and often topped with a beautifully browned, golden crust, is a staple in many households and for good reason! Whether it’s gracing the table as a holiday side dish, warming hearts on a chilly evening, or completing a cozy weeknight dinner, homemade scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps of creating the perfect cheesy scalloped potato casserole (optional, of course!), ensuring a delightful culinary experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for an easy and incredibly delicious side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this traditional scalloped potatoes recipe!

Craving other comforting classics? Be sure to check out our dinner ideas for more inspiration!

In this article, you’ll discover a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the most decadent creamy scalloped potatoes you’ve ever tasted. We’ll cover everything from the crucial step of selecting the right potatoes for the perfect texture to achieving the ideal sauce consistency that’s neither too thin nor too thick. Get ready to impress your family, friends, and even yourself with this timeless classic! Need something faster? Have you tried our Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken?

2. Understanding the Basics of Scalloped Potatoes

Before diving headfirst into the recipe, let’s clarify exactly what makes traditional scalloped potatoes so uniquely special and distinguishes them from other similar potato dishes. The main difference? Unlike au gratin potatoes, which boast a generous amount of cheese *within* the creamy sauce, authentic scalloped potatoes rely solely on the rich, creamy sauce itself to provide that signature comforting richness and flavor. Think of it as pure, unadulterated potato goodness! The real key to unlocking a truly great scalloped potato dish lies in the quality of the ingredients you choose and the precision with which you layer them in your baking dish.

Speaking of ingredients, the choice of potatoes is absolutely crucial. While several varieties can work, Yukon Gold potatoes are often the preferred choice among chefs and home cooks alike, celebrated for their naturally creamy texture and their remarkable ability to hold their beautiful shape during the cooking process. However, don’t dismiss Russet potatoes entirely! While they may require a touch more moisture to achieve the desired tenderness, they can certainly be used as well. The classic sauce, the heart and soul of this dish, typically consists of simple yet essential ingredients: fresh milk or cream (or a combination!), rich butter, all-purpose flour for thickening, and a blend of seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile. This combination creates a velvety, luxurious coating that perfectly complements the tender, delicate potatoes. By fully understanding these fundamental basics, you’ll be exceptionally well-equipped to confidently create a truly memorable homemade scalloped potatoes dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Curious about the team that creates these amazing recipes? Visit our About Us page!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these amazing traditional scalloped potatoes, be sure to gather all of the following essential ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (consistency is key!)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (the good stuff!)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (for extra richness, use half-and-half or cream)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to your preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy scalloped potato casserole – because sometimes, more cheese is always better!)

For the absolute best results, make sure your ingredients are as fresh and of the highest quality possible. Remember, the optional cheddar cheese adds a delightful, cheesy twist for those who truly enjoy a cheesy scalloped potato casserole. If you are craving something cheesey have you tried our Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers?

4. Step-by-Step Recipe for Traditional Scalloped Potatoes

Carefully follow these simple, easy-to-follow steps to create the perfect, most comforting traditional scalloped potatoes recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions

First things first, preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!). Now, begin layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish, followed by half of the thinly sliced onions. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes and onions, creating a beautiful, even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until completely smooth, creating a roux (this is what thickens your sauce!). Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are absolutely no lumps (lumps are the enemy!). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Carefully and evenly pour the creamy sauce generously over the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish, making sure everything is nicely coated. If you’re opting for the delightful cheesy scalloped potato casserole version, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire top of the dish.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (this helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the finished traditional scalloped potatoes cool for approximately 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, preventing it from being too runny, and allows all the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Finally, and most importantly, enjoy your incredibly delicious, homemade creamy scalloped potatoes! Find more recipes on our home page.

5. Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly: This is absolutely crucial for ensuring they cook uniformly and achieve that desirable tender texture. A mandoline slicer can be incredibly helpful for achieving perfectly consistent slices in a fraction of the time.
• Don’t skip the roux: The roux (that magical mixture of butter and flour) is absolutely essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency and preventing it from becoming thin and watery.
• Use whole milk or cream (or a combination!): For the richest, most decadent and luxurious creamy scalloped potatoes imaginable, opt for whole milk, heavy cream, or even a combination of the two. The higher the fat content, the creamier the result!
• Season generously, and taste as you go!: Salt and pepper are absolutely crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and the creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to add a bit more if needed, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Allow adequate resting time: Letting the finished dish cool slightly before serving is essential. This allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and allows the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly harmonious dish.

6. Variations and Additions

While the classic traditional scalloped potatoes recipe is undeniably delicious and satisfying on its own, there are countless ways to customize it to perfectly suit your individual tastes and preferences:

• Add cheese, glorious cheese: Transform the dish into a delightful cheesy scalloped potato casserole by adding cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese directly to the creamy sauce itself, or by sprinkling a generous layer over the top before baking. Why not both?
• Include savory ham or bacon: Add diced ham for a salty, savory depth or crispy bacon for a smoky, irresistible twist.
• Use different vegetables for added complexity: Mix in other hearty root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even thinly sliced carrots for added layers of flavor and interesting textures.
• Spice it up with a touch of heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a subtle and delightful kick of heat.

7. Serving Suggestions

Homemade scalloped potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are just a few delicious serving suggestions to get you started:

• Roasted chicken or turkey (a classic combination!)
• Grilled steak or juicy pork chops
• A perfectly baked ham
• Vegetarian options such as a hearty lentil loaf or flavorful stuffed bell peppers

These creamy, comforting potatoes are also perfectly suited for festive holiday dinners, casual potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to serve a truly comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Need an appetizer? Check out our appetizers!

You can also find more information about scalloped potatoes here.

8. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover traditional scalloped potatoes can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the flavors for days to come. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. For a quicker option, you can also reheat them in the microwave but be aware that they may not be quite as creamy as when oven-reheated. For the absolute best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the potatoes before reheating to prevent them from drying out and to restore their creamy consistency.

Check out our breakfast and brunch section for more great recipes.

9. Conclusion

With this comprehensive traditional scalloped potatoes recipe in your culinary arsenal, you are now fully equipped to confidently create a truly memorable dish that will impress your family, your friends, and even yourself! Whether you choose to stick to the tried-and-true classic recipe or add your own personal creative twists, the comforting flavors and the lusciously creamy texture of perfectly made homemade scalloped potatoes are sure to make this dish a beloved favorite in your household for generations to come. So, embrace the simple joy of the cooking process, savor every single delicious bite of your homemade creamy scalloped potatoes, and happy cooking!

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