Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting classic with these easy creamy scalloped potatoes. Tender Yukon Gold slices baked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce make for a perfect side dish anytime.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk/half & half)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, for even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly to a pourable consistency.
4. Step 4: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the sauce into the baking dish, spreading evenly. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes over the sauce in a slightly overlapping pattern.
6. Step 6: Pour remaining sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra if desired for topping.
7. Step 7: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes until potatoes are tender.
8. Step 8: Remove foil and bake another 25-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the dish rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices and quicker prep.
• Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half & half.
• Add a layer of caramelized onions or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold works best for creaminess and flavor, but you can substitute with Russet or red potatoes. Just ensure they are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan adds a nice sharpness, but you can use other hard cheeses like Gruyère or Asiago. Avoid very mild cheeses to keep the sauce flavorful.

Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with fresh thyme. This classic comfort dish combines a velvety sauce with tender, golden-baked potatoes, perfect as a hearty side for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)

Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk/half & half)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes and Oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel and slice 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
3. Season the Sauce. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream (or substitute with whole milk or half & half) until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens to a pourable consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Layers. Pour about half of the creamy sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the thin potato slices in a slightly overlapping pattern over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese plus extra if desired for a golden crust.
5. Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help cook the potatoes through. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Bake Uncovered and Brown. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes. This allows the top to become golden brown and bubbly, creating a delicious crust while ensuring the potatoes are fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve. Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the sauce to set, making serving easier and enhancing flavors. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped chives for color and additional flavor. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.

Notes

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape well during baking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half & half.
• Make sure to slice potatoes uniformly thin for even cooking.
• Garnish with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley for freshness.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Adding a little extra Parmesan on top enhances browning and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, baked potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, side dish, Yukon gold potatoes