Classic Scalloped Potatoes

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Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes! They immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.

Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes and immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.
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Simple Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Carbs and cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly. They are a pair that can’t be rivaled and a combination that I love inviting into my home, kitchen, and heart as often as possible. It doesn’t get much better than Classic Scalloped Potatoes, either.

This dish is also known is potatoes au gratin, but I think calling them “scalloped potatoes” make them a little more approachable and inviting. The fancy au gratin version is often served as perfectly lined-up rows of cheesy potatoes, and while it looks beautiful, this mama just doesn’t have the time to place every potato round just so in an immaculate line. Either way tastes just as incredible, though!

A creamy liquid bathes the potato slices in the baking dish, and melted cheese tops it all off. Seriously, I could kiss the person who invented scalloped potatoes — they are so darn good. Serve them up with ham for a holiday meal or as a side for grilled meats as a warm, gooey substitute for a classic potato salad. However you dish them up, they’re sure to please everyone who takes a bite.

Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes and immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.

Can you freeze scalloped potatoes?

Potatoes don’t freeze all that well. They constrict and become a bit mushy after they’re thawed, but if you’re fine with your scalloped potatoes turning more into a mashed version after being frozen, then go ahead and store them in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven.

What does “au gratin” mean?

The term “au gratin” is French and means covered with cheese or bread crumbs and browned. There has to be a crusty top, and you can make other dishes this way, like broccoli au gratin. Typically, a cheese, egg, or bread crumb topping makes the baked result crispy and crusty.

Can you assemble scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yep! If I were getting this ready for an event or gathering a day early, I’d complete all of the stovetop steps and bake the scalloped potatoes for only about 10 minutes (not 20, as the instructions advise). Then, let them cool completely, cover them securely, and store them in the fridge overnight. Whenever you’re getting ready to serve the dish, stick them back into a 425 degree F. oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until everything is totally warmed, the cream is bubbling, and the top is golden-brown.

Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes and immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.
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square baking dish with scalloped potatoes and a spoon

Classic Scalloped Potatoes


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  • Author: Melissa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 9

Description

Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes! They immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (5 medium), peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the potatoes, broth, cream, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are almost tender, about 10 minutes.
  5. Discard the bay leaves, and transfer the potato mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Gently press the potatoes into an even layer, and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake until the cream is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden-brown, about 20 minutes.
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can sub grated Parmesan cheese for the cheddar if you’d like (that’s what’s shown in the pictures).
  • Omit the thyme if you aren’t a big fan.
  • Using a mandoline slicer or a v-blade slicer makes cutting the potatoes evenly thin much faster and easier; I’d recommend that or a food processor for the potato slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stove Top, Oven
  • Cuisine: American
Creamy and cheesy Classic Scalloped Potatoes are the king of decadent side dishes and immediately add a whole lot of comfort to any plate.

Great main dishes to go with your scalloped potatoes:

For more easy potato recipes, check out:

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