Go Back

Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, Tender & Perfect for Holiday Feasts

These Scalloped Potatoes are the definition of comfort: thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, velvety cream sauce until melt-in-your-mouth tender with golden edges and layers that practically glide apart. Whether served at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a cozy winter dinner, this dish delivers classic, irresistible flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients. Creamy, savory, and beautifully layered, scalloped potatoes make the perfect side dish for roasted meats, holiday mains, or any celebratory meal. They look elegant enough for guests but are easy enough for weeknight comfort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Ingredients
  

Scalloped Potatoes
  • 3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk whole milk recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh chopped
Optional Toppings
  • Extra butter for dotting
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra paprika for color
  • No pork, no bacon, and no alcohol — fully compliant.
Jacky's Kitchen Icon

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon

Equipment

  • Mandoline or sharp knife
  • Large saucepan
  • Baking dish (9×13 recommended)
  • Whisk
  • Foil
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
  1. Peel potatoes (optional).
  2. Slice them ⅛ inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. Keep slices in cold water to prevent browning (optional but helpful).
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
    In a saucepan melt:
    1. butter
    2. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Whisk in:
    1. flour
    2. Cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
    Slowly add:
    1. milk
    2. heavy cream
    3. Whisk constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
    Season with:
    1. salt
    2. pepper
    3. onion powder
    4. paprika
    5. thyme
    6. Simmer gently 2 minutes.
    Step 3: Assemble
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Grease the baking dish.
    3. Layer half of the potato slices evenly.
    4. Pour half of the cream sauce over potatoes.
    5. Repeat with remaining potatoes + remaining sauce.
    6. Dot the top with a little butter for extra richness (optional).
    7. Cover dish tightly with foil.
    Step 4: Bake
    1. Bake covered for 45 minutes.
    2. Remove foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes until:
    3. top is golden
    4. potatoes are fork-tender
    5. edges are bubbling
    6. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving so layers set.

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating

    Refrigerator: 3–4 days
    Freezer: Not ideal — potatoes soften too much
    Reheat:
    Cover and warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

    🥄 Variations

    Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Potatoes Au Gratin)
    Add 2 cups shredded cheese between layers.
    Garlic Lover’s Version
    Add extra garlic + roasted garlic paste.
    Herb Scalloped Potatoes
    Add rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
    Cream Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
    Add 4 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
    Onion Scalloped Potatoes
    Add thinly sliced onions between the potato layers.
    Paprika & Pepper Scalloped Potatoes
    Add smoked or sweet paprika for warmth.
    Chive & Sour Cream Style
    Add dollops of sour cream between layers.
    Yukon Gold Butter Potatoes
    Use Yukon golds for richer flavor.
    Dairy-Free Version
    Use plant milk + vegan butter + flour blend.
    Holiday Herb Version
    Add sage + thyme for festive notes.

    ❓ 10 FAQs

    Can I make these ahead?
    Yes — assemble, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
    Why are my potatoes still firm?
    They need to bake longer — thin slices cook best.
    Can I skip heavy cream?
    Yes — replace with milk, but sauce will be lighter.
    Should I parboil the potatoes?
    Not needed — thin slices bake perfectly.
    Can I use sweet potatoes?
    Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly.
    Can I add cheese?
    Yes — that makes them au gratin.
    Why did the sauce curdle?
    Heat too high — simmer gently only.
    Can I double the recipe?
    Yes — use a larger casserole dish.
    Are russet or Yukon gold potatoes better?
    Yukon golds are creamier; russets are classic.
    Can kids eat this?
    Absolutely — creamy, mild, delicious.

    🏁 Conclusion

    These Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting — the perfect holiday side dish that pairs beautifully with roast beef, turkey, chicken, or festive mains. The layers bake into a smooth, velvety, perfectly seasoned dish that brings warmth and elegance to any Christmas or winter table.
    A timeless recipe everyone will crave seconds of.