Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Scalloped potatoes are a beloved comfort food, combining tender slices of potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce. These creamy scalloped potatoes, in particular, have a velvety texture, enhanced with a hint of cheese and aromatic herbs, making them an irresistible side dish. Perfect for any holiday gathering or casual meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This creamy scalloped potatoes recipe stands out for its luxurious texture, making it an ideal addition to any festive meal. With crispy golden edges and a creamy, cheesy interior, it’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds. Whether paired with a succulent roast chicken or a perfectly cooked steak, these potatoes will complement any main course.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences and substitutions, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy this rich and comforting dish.

Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

To make these delicious creamy scalloped potatoes, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that deliver an indulgent result:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their waxy texture makes them perfect for holding shape, ensuring that the potatoes don’t become mushy.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce while providing a luscious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Infuses the cream sauce with a subtle, aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: The key ingredient that brings the creamy texture to life. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the sauce. Other cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss work well too.
• Fresh Thyme: Offers an herby freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and potatoes to perfection.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want to make these scalloped potatoes dairy-free or lighter, consider these swaps:

• Non-dairy Milk or Cream: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary or parsley can add a fresh twist to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious creamy scalloped potatoes:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Slice the Potatoes: Using a mandolin slicer or sharp knife, slice the Yukon Gold potatoes as thinly as possible, aiming for about 1/16th of an inch in thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes until it’s golden.
4. Add Cream: Gradually stir in the heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine with Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and pour the creamy sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure every slice is coated with the sauce.
6. Arrange the Potatoes: Stack the potato slices upright in the prepared baking dish, creating a beautiful layered effect. Pour any remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

• Use a Mandolin for Even Slices: Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking and a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: Stack them upright to allow the edges to become crispy while keeping the inside creamy.
• Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in the cheese once the sauce has thickened to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
• Storage: Leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or bake the whole dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These creamy scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Main Dishes: Serve with roast chicken, sous vide steak, or grilled pork chops for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Vegetarian Options: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Flavor Variations: For an extra indulgent twist, try adding bacon bits or sautéed onions to the layers of potatoes before baking.

If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: A Dish for Every Occasion

Creamy scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for any holiday meal, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. With their rich, comforting texture and deliciously cheesy flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with roasted meats or enjoyed on their own, these potatoes make any meal extra special.

This creamy, cheesy recipe is simple to make yet packs tons of flavor, making it an ideal addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy these creamy scalloped potatoes at your next meal, and watch them become a new family favorite!

Conclusion

In conclusion, creamy scalloped potatoes are a timeless and delicious side dish that can elevate any meal. With their perfectly balanced creamy texture, crispy edges, and rich flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, holiday feast, or a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to impress. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making creamy scalloped potatoes is a breeze. Don’t forget to try different variations and pairings to suit your tastes!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Comfort Food Recipe: If you’re a fan of creamy scalloped potatoes, this cheesy variation will be a hit. With an extra layer of cheese baked into the creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. These potatoes are perfect for adding a little extra indulgence to your meal.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: This dish offers a rich and creamy texture similar to scalloped potatoes, but with the addition of tender gnocchi and savory sausage. The sweetness of butternut squash and the creaminess of the sauce make it a perfect fall meal, ideal for those who love creamy, hearty dishes.
• Sausage and Veggies Pasta Comforting Fall Meal: Combining sausage, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this pasta dish provides the same hearty, comforting feel as scalloped potatoes. It’s a perfect recipe to enjoy during the cooler months, with a balance of rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

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