Description
Best Homemade Scalloped Potatoes are a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for holiday dinners, easy dinner plans, family gatherings, and classic food ideas, this easy recipe layers tender potatoes with a silky cream sauce and a golden cheesy top for one of the best homemade potato dishes you can serve.
Ingredients
2 pounds russet potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel the potatoes and slice them very thin, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
6. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to keep the sauce smooth.
7. Add the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Arrange one layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
9. Spoon some of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
10. Repeat the layers until all the potatoes and sauce are used.
11. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
14. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to keep the potato slices thin and even.
Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce can settle and thicken nicely.
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat milk and heavy cream rather than lower-fat substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
Keywords: best homemade scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, holiday side dish, easy dinner side, comfort food, potato bake