If you’re craving something irresistibly cozy and satisfying, this Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and herbs, all topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s the perfect side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, delivering comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture and savory goodness that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to achieving that perfect balance of creaminess, sharpness, and aromatic depth. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly special.
- 4-5 medium starchy potatoes (russets or Yukon Golds): Ideal for creating that tender yet sturdy slice that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half, whole milk, coconut milk, or almond milk): The luscious base that creates the signature creamy texture.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère or mozzarella): Adds a rich, flavorful crust with that irresistible melt.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Gives sweetness and a subtle bite that complements the potatoes.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or garlic powder): Introduces a fragrant warmth that infuses the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for sautéing and adding a silky richness.
- Salt, to taste: Brings out all the flavors uniquely.
- Pepper, to taste: A little spice helps balance the creaminess.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (or other herbs like parsley or sage): Provides earthy herbal notes that brighten the dish.
How to Make Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a steady, even heat that will gently cook the potatoes while creating that delightful golden top layer.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and helps the edges brown beautifully without fuss.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Wash and peel your potatoes before slicing them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices allow the cream sauce to seep into every layer, ensuring each bite is meltingly tender.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, usually around 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute until it releases its wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, combine your heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Warm gently over medium-low heat without boiling. Once warm, fold in the sautéed onions and garlic, blending those flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Layer the Dish
Begin by placing half of the sliced potatoes in your greased dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of your cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese for that classic, irresistible scalloped effect.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This step gives you a beautifully browned top and perfectly tender potatoes beneath.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let your scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set up and results in a creamier, more cohesive texture on the plate.
How to Serve Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, extra thyme leaves, or even a dash of paprika over the top. These garnishes brighten the rich flavors and make the dish look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This scalloped potatoes recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a hearty beef stew. The creamy, cheesy layers complement savory mains perfectly, turning any meal into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve these potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, bake in a cast-iron skillet to get crispier edges that add a lovely textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover scalloped potatoes covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for preparing in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm in a 350°F oven (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture and crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, Gruyère offers a nutty richness and mozzarella gives a mild, gooey texture. Feel free to experiment or combine cheeses for your favorite flavor profile.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling helps create a smoother, creamier texture which is typical of scalloped potatoes, but if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic look, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them very well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and choosing a plant-based cheese, you can enjoy a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and flavorful.
What’s the best potato variety for scalloped potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like russets or all-purpose ones like Yukon Golds are ideal. They cook evenly and soak up the cream sauce without turning mushy.
How can I add more herbs without overpowering the dish?
Start with just a teaspoon of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary and adjust according to your taste. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top after baking also add a nice herbal note without overwhelming the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe is a true classic that brings warmth and richness to any meal. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps allow you to create a dish that’s deeply comforting yet elegant enough to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again whenever you want to treat your loved ones with a taste of pure comfort and happiness.
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Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious creamy scalloped potatoes recipe is a comforting classic that layers thinly sliced starchy potatoes with a rich, cheesy cream sauce infused with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is an ideal side for hearty meals or a satisfying vegetarian entrée.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4–5 medium starchy potatoes (russets or Yukon Golds)
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half, whole milk, coconut milk, or almond milk)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (or other herbs like parsley or sage)
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Slice Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking and layering.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Heat over medium-low until warm but not boiling. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic to infuse flavor into the sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set the sauce before serving. This also enhances the texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or plant-based milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- For varied flavors, try different cheeses such as Gruyère for a nuttier taste or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic flavor, or experiment with parsley or sage based on your preference.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and improves the texture.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently for best results.
