Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Scalloped potatoes are a comforting classic, featuring tender slices of potato baked in a creamy, savory sauce. This recipe creates a rich and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

A close-up image of a bitten slice of creamy potato gratin taken from a casserole dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has several thin layers of soft boiled potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce on top, featuring a smooth, slightly browned surface with bits of herbs. The spoon holding the slice shows a textured, golden color of the baked cheese, while the inside looks soft and creamy white with thin potato layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux without browning it.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, adding a little liquid at a time to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  5. Step 5: Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then boil for 1 minute before removing from heat.
  6. Step 6: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  7. Step 7: Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, seasoning again, then top with the rest of the sauce.
  8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
  10. Step 10: For a crisp golden top, broil the scalloped potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Step 11: Let the potatoes rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Tips & Variations

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture and better consistency.
  • Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese in the sauce for a cheesy variation.
  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary between potato layers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A close-up photo shows a creamy potato gratin in a white ceramic baking dish. The dish has multiple thin layers of soft, golden potatoes soaked in a thick, white creamy sauce, slightly browned and bubbly around the edges. The top layer is light golden with hints of melted cheese and small brown spots, adding a crunchy texture. A spoon lifts a portion, showing a smooth, slightly stringy texture of melted cheese stretching from the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it covered, adding extra baking time as needed since it will be chilled.

What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are baked with a creamy sauce but typically without cheese, while potatoes au gratin include cheese in the sauce and often on top for a crispy crust.

Print

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Classic scalloped potatoes baked in a creamy, savory sauce made with butter, onions, garlic, milk, and chicken broth. This comforting side dish features tender layers of sliced white potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper, baked to a golden, bubbly finish.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Potatoes

  • 3 pounds white potatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the scalloped potatoes.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Add Liquids: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth a little at a time, allowing the sauce to thicken between additions. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Boil Sauce: Increase heat to medium and bring the sauce to a boil while whisking. Stir in salt and pepper, and let it boil for 1 minute to fully develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish and Layer Potatoes: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Add Sauce Layer: Pour half of the prepared cream sauce evenly over the potatoes.
  7. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the first layer, season with salt and pepper, then pour the rest of the cream sauce over the top.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
  9. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
  10. Broil for Golden Top: To achieve a beautifully golden and slightly crispy top, broil the scalloped potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly before serving.
  12. Enjoy: Serve warm as a hearty, delicious side dish perfect for comforting meals.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Broiling time may vary depending on the oven, so watch closely to avoid burning the top.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use slightly less broth or cook the sauce longer before combining with potatoes.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, potato casserole, comfort food, side dish

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