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If you are looking for a cozy, classic potato side dish that feels special but is still easy enough for a family dinner, these easy scalloped potatoes are it.
Thinly sliced potatoes and onions are layered in a baking dish, covered in a creamy homemade cheddar sauce, and baked until tender, bubbling, and golden around the edges. It is the kind of recipe that works for a Sunday roast, a holiday table, or one of those evenings when you just want something warm and comforting beside the main dish.
These easy scalloped potatoes have that old fashioned, made-from-scratch feel without being complicated. No canned soup. No fussy steps. Just simple ingredients turning into a casserole dish full of creamy potato goodness.
Serve them with ham, roast chicken, pork chops, turkey, or even as part of a big family dinner spread. They are rich, hearty, and always disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Scalloped Potatoes
There is a lot to love about this recipe, especially if you want a side dish that feels dependable and crowd pleasing.
- The ingredient list is simple and easy to find
- The homemade sauce is creamy and full of flavor
- The sliced onions add extra savory goodness
- It is hearty enough for holidays but simple enough for regular dinners
- Leftovers reheat well the next day
This is one of those side dishes that makes a table feel instantly more inviting.
Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
These easy scalloped potatoes are layered with sliced onions and covered in a creamy homemade cheddar sauce, then baked until tender and bubbling.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the sliced potatoes and onion rings in the baking dish in even layers.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
4. Whisk in the flour and kosher salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually add the milk, whisking until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth.
7. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
9. Bake for 85 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
10. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Slice the potatoes evenly for the best texture.
- A mandoline is helpful, but not required.
- You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
- Add diced ham if you want to make it more filling.
Recommended Products
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Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Pour and Strain Sauce Pan, 3 1/2-quart, Black -
OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Better Balloon Whisk -
Gourmia GMS9105 Adjustable Stainless Steel Mandoline Slicer Dial-Style Kitchen Slicer With Built in Adjustable Blades Fine to Thick Slice & Julienne Settings -
OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 359Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 111mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 11gNutrition information is automatically calculated by a third-party tool and is an estimate only. Exact values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. Please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for precise information if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is what you need to make these easy scalloped potatoes:
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into thin rings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
That is it. Just a handful of simple ingredients that come together into a rich and creamy potato casserole.
Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a great choice for scalloped potatoes because they become tender as they bake and help create that soft, creamy texture everyone wants.
Yukon Gold potatoes can also work well if that is what you have on hand. They hold their shape a bit more and have a naturally buttery flavor.
Whatever potato you use, the most important thing is slicing them evenly. Thin slices help the potatoes cook through at the same rate and give you those beautiful, tender layers.
How to Make Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Peel the potatoes and slice them into even rounds. Slice the onion into thin rings.
Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish, then add some of the onion slices. Continue layering the potatoes and onions until everything is in the dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and kosher salt, stirring for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk and keep whisking until the sauce thickens.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 85 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
If you want a more golden top, remove the foil at the end and broil for a minute or two, just until the top starts to brown.
Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can settle a bit.
Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes
Slice the potatoes evenly
This is the secret to getting evenly cooked scalloped potatoes. A mandoline makes the job easier, but a sharp knife works too.
Use room temperature milk if possible
It helps the sauce come together a little more smoothly.
Cover the dish while baking
This keeps the potatoes from drying out and helps them become tender.
Broil at the end for color
If you love a more golden top, a quick broil at the end does the trick. Just keep an eye on it so it does not brown too much.
Can You Make Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble this dish ahead of time.
Prepare the recipe up to the point where the sauce has been poured over the potatoes, then cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate it. When you are ready to bake, place it in the oven and add a few extra minutes if needed since it will be starting cold.
That makes this a very handy recipe for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal where you are juggling several dishes at once.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or place the baking dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Covering the dish while reheating helps keep the potatoes creamy.
What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes
These easy scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with all kinds of mains. Try serving them with:
- baked ham
- roast chicken
- pork chops
- turkey
- meatloaf
- roast beef
They also work well with simple vegetable sides like green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes FAQ
Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce until tender and bubbling. They are a classic comfort food side dish.
They are similar, but not exactly the same. Scalloped potatoes usually focus on a creamy sauce, while au gratin potatoes are often heavier on the cheese.
Usually the potatoes were sliced too thick or the dish needs more baking time. Thin, even slices help a lot.
Yes. Diced ham works very well in this dish and can turn it into more of a main course.
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish the day before and bake it when needed.
Final Thoughts
These easy scalloped potatoes are one of those recipes that never really goes out of style. They are simple, creamy, comforting, and always feel right at home on the dinner table.
Whether you are making them for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or just because you are in the mood for a classic potato side dish, this recipe delivers all the cozy comfort you could want.