Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, classic side dish that truly hits the spot, I have just the thing for you: Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This recipe has been a beloved staple in my family for years, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy, buttery sauce that bakes up golden and bubbly—it’s downright irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy dinner at home.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe uses simple ingredients that work beautifully together to create a luscious, cheesy dish. When shopping, I recommend picking russet potatoes that are firm and blemish-free for the best texture.

• Russet Potatoes: These hold up nicely to baking and give a fluffy, creamy inside.
• Onion: A small onion adds just the right amount of sweet sharpness to the sauce.
• Butter: The base of our sauce, giving it richness and helping with that golden color.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp on it!
• Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce, turning it silky and smooth without lumps.
• Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can try 2% if you want it a bit lighter.
• Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Sharp or mild cheddar works—choose what you love.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top at serving adds a savory finish.

Variations

I love that this recipe is easy to customize based on what you like or have in the fridge. You can make it your own with a few tweaks here and there to suit your taste.

• Herb Infused: Adding thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce gives it a lovely earthy flavor that I started using recently—totally elevated the dish!
• Garlic Kick: Mix in a clove of minced garlic when melting the butter for an extra punch of flavor that’s subtle but noticeable.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter if you’re avoiding dairy; the key is keeping that creamy texture without compromising the layers.
• Extra Cheesy: Swap some cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile that my family can’t get enough of.

How to Make Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes and Onions

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and slicing them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick works best. I like to use a mandoline slicer to get even slices quickly, but a sharp knife will do fine too. Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and soak up all that creamy sauce. Then slice your small onion thinly as well and set both aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a small pot over low heat, stirring in salt, pepper, and flour until smooth. This is your roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in the milk, starting with a half-cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble gently for a minute or two—it thickens quickly. Then stir in the sliced onions to soften in the warm sauce as it cooks. This step is where all the creamy magic happens!

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Sauce

Grease an 8×8 baking dish and arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom, slightly overlapping so they cook evenly. Pour about a third of the cream sauce over this layer. Repeat two more times, finishing with a sauce layer. This layering method ensures every bite is packed with creamy goodness.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. The bubbling cheese on top is my favorite part—such a satisfying sight and smell!

How to Serve Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of extra parmesan for a bit of salty crunch—it’s a simple finishing touch that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This recipe matches beautifully with roasted meats like baked ham or roast chicken. I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance out the meal with some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Another fun idea I discovered is layering in some cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions between the potatoes for added texture and flavor surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they’ll likely disappear fast!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for about 3-4 days and still taste delicious when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully—just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and keep it covered to prevent drying out. A quick sprinkle of cheese before reheating freshens it up nicely too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a bit of old-fashioned homey joy to your table. Give yourself the gift of this classic—your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for seconds in no time!

Print