Delicious Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort

It feels like yesterday when I first tried my hand at making a Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, and honestly, it was a bit of a kitchen adventure. I wanted something cozy and satisfying for my family, something that would bring everyone to the table without me having to juggle a million ingredients. When I found a simple, creamy scalloped potatoes recipe, I thought, “Yes! This is the kind of comfort food we need!” The way those tender potatoes soaked up the cheesy sauce and baked into a golden, bubbling dish just begged for family seconds. My crew’s reactions? Pure joy. They cheered, asked for more, and filled their plates like it was a holiday feast. What makes this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a comfort food win is its balance of rich flavor and that warm, homey feel after a busy day. Trust me, fellow comfort seekers, if your mealtimes sometimes feel complicated or rushed, this recipe offers a sanity-saving comfort food solution that fits right into the cozy chaos of family dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen warrior or just finding your footing, you’ll find it refreshingly simple and wildly satisfying.

This recipe has become a staple in our house, anchoring many nights of friendly chatter and quiet encouragement. It reminds me a lot of classic scalloped potatoes but with my own tweaks that keep things interesting and easy—perfect for moms balancing school projects, after-school snacks, and bedtime routines. If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone together around the table without the added stress, grab your apron and stick with me. This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a gentle hug for your table and your tired mom heart. And hey, for more cozy meal ideas to try alongside this, you might want to peek at this delicious Cajun Scalloped Potatoes for a little spicy twist or this wholesome Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes to round out your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s the simple, no-fuss ingredient list for this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe that busy moms like you and me trust.

Ingredients for creamy scalloped potatoes including potatoes, cheese, onions, and seasonings
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
    Great for that tender, creamy scalloped potatoes texture we love. No worries if you don’t have russets—Yukon Golds work wonderfully too for extra creaminess.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    Adds richness and comfort to the sauce. You can swap with olive oil if you prefer a lighter dish—still tasty!
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    This helps thicken up our sauce into that perfect creamy scalloped potatoes consistency.
  • 2 cups whole milk
    For creaminess that coats every slice. I’ve tried half-and-half, but whole milk hits the comfort spot without being too heavy.
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    The star of scalloped potatoes with cheese! If cheddar isn’t on hand, a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan brings lovely flavor depth.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    Adds sweet, mellow notes that balance the savory cheese sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Just a touch for that extra pop of cozy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    Enhances every bite without overpowering.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    Brings just enough warmth.
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
    For a subtle herb lift that’s a family favorite in my house.

All these ingredients are easy to find at your regular grocery store, and this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated. To save time, thin-sliced potatoes are a blessing—grab ones prepped and ready if your store offers them. One simple shortcut that my family loves: use pre-shredded cheese to skip the grating hassle. Trust me, this ingredient list is designed for busy moms who want comfort without complexity! For added inspiration, you could also check out this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe at I Am Baker for more cheesy goodness.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to turn those everyday ingredients into a comforting baked scalloped potatoes masterpiece? Here’s my step-by-step Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, crafted with busy families in mind.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Set that temperature early so your kitchen comes alive with warm anticipation for creamy scalloped potatoes.
  2. Prepare the potatoes.
    Peel and slice your potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch). This is key for tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices. Pro tip: A mandoline slicer saves tons of time and keeps slices even—perfect for quick meal prep.
  3. Make the fragrant base.
    In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Throw in the garlic last minute for a fresh aroma.
  4. Create the creamy sauce.
    Stir in the flour with the butter, onion, and garlic, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, keeping the sauce smooth and bubbling gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency. This is the magic behind the creamy scalloped potatoes we adore!
  5. Add cheese and seasonings.
    Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Your kitchen should smell like all the cozy comfort you’ve ever craved by this point.
  6. Layer the potatoes.
    Butter a casserole dish lightly. Arrange half your potatoes in an even layer. Pour half your cheese sauce over the top. Then, create a second layer of potatoes and sauce, finishing with a bit more cheese on top if you want that bubbly golden effect.
  7. Bake to perfection.
    Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Your baked scalloped potatoes should be soft when pierced with a fork.
  8. Rest and serve.
    Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This step helps your scalloped potatoes set just right—plus a great moment to tidy up or pack tomorrow’s lunch!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Scalloped Potatoes Recipe usually takes about an hour total from start to finish, making it a manageable dinnertime win. Don’t worry if your dish looks a little messy when it goes in the oven—the bubbling cheese and creamy sauce pull everything together beautifully. If you’re curious about other family twists to baked scalloped potatoes, this Scalloped Potatoes | The Girl Who Ate Everything has some clever ideas.

How We Love to Eat This!

This Scalloped Potatoes Recipe shines on our busiest nights, warming up the whole family with minimal fuss. The kids devour it especially when I serve it alongside crunchy green beans or lightly roasted carrots—the contrast between creamy and crisp is such a kid-friendly combo. Plus, pairing it with a simple protein like grilled chicken or a juicy pork chop rounds out the meal without stealing the show.

For those cozy weekend dinners, this recipe shines when served with a fresh salad and crusty bread to soak up all the cheesy sauce. Presentation matters, so sprinkling a little fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese on top makes it look just as good as it tastes.

Leftovers? Yes, please! I usually pack the leftover creamy scalloped potatoes into glass containers for next-day reheating—perfect for hungry kids after school or an easy side for quick weeknight dinners. We’ve even tried adding cooked bacon bits or swapping the cheddar for Gruyere in seasonal variations. These tweaks keep the dish exciting and fresh, even for picky eaters.

Friends who’ve tried this recipe often ask for seconds and say it reminds them of classic scalloped potatoes from their own family tables. If you love these flavors, I highly recommend this easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe from Spend With Pennies for more ideas to mix up your comfort food rotation.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Is this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce combined with the hearty potatoes and cheese makes it a satisfying dish on its own or paired with simple proteins. My kids often fill up fast on a serving, so it’s a great option when you want them happy and nourished without extra sides.

2. What if my picky eater won’t try this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
Try mixing in a sprinkle of their favorite cheese or adding a little crispy topping like breadcrumbs or bacon bits. Sometimes, familiar textures help ease pickiness. I find making it together with the kids sparks curiosity, making them more likely to taste it.

3. Can I meal prep this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely. Assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add extra 10 minutes to your bake time if it’s cold from the fridge. It’s a lifesaver for busy moms needing a ready-to-go meal option.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The creamy scalloped potatoes texture remains just as comforting.

5. How do I get my scalloped potatoes with cheese extra golden on top?
Remove the foil about 10 minutes before baking ends and switch to the broil setting for just a minute or two—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

6. Will the sauce be too thick or thin?
Don’t worry if your sauce looks thinner before baking. It thickens beautifully in the oven, soaking into those potatoes for creamy scalloped potatoes every time.

7. Any tips for making this recipe even easier?
Use pre-sliced potatoes and pre-shredded cheese to save time. While it bakes, prep your family’s drinks or set the table—a little multitasking goes a long way! For more scrumptious, comforting recipes, check this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes to pair perfectly alongside.

Final Thoughts:

Final creamy scalloped potatoes served in a casserole dish, golden on topThis Scalloped Potatoes Recipe fits right into my family’s comfort food goals—simple ingredients, minimal stress, big smiles. It’s a dish that hugs your family with creamy, cheesy warmth and invites everyone to linger at the table a little longer. My Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Comfort Hacks? First, thinly slice your potatoes evenly for perfect creaminess. Second, don’t skip the resting time after baking—it makes all the difference. Third, experiment with cheese blends to suit your family’s tastes.

Our family loves mixing it up: classic scalloped potatoes with cheese are a crowd favorite, but my husband leans into more savory herb versions, while my kids enjoy the simpler creamy scalloped potatoes style without too many extras. You can make this recipe your own, adjusting flavors to what brings your family comfort and joy.

I hope as you try this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, it becomes a reliable comfort food that turns your family’s cozy chaos into more moments filled with laughter and bellies full of satisfaction. Remember, fellow comfort seekers: this isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeding your family well without the overwhelm. Give it a try, savor the process, and keep those warm dinnertime wins coming!

Print

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for any meal.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
  7. Add the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the cheese sauce.
  8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  11. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy top, broil the scalloped potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Serve alongside roasted meats or a fresh green salad.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!