The Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Up your potato game with luxurious, creamy layers of sauce and a golden-brown crispy top in this easy scallop potato recipe. Hints of warm spices and herbs, like thyme and nutmeg, bring out earthly tones while sharp cheddar makes it cozy and comforting. We dream of soft pillowy potatoey insides and crispy outsides – need we say more? And, although elegant, our baked scalloped potatoes are easy to make and ready from the farmer's market (or local grocery store!) to table in about 2 hours. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday meal – our most loved dish on the table even – complimenting our favorite, festive roasted vegetables like this Maple Roasted Squash Salad. Make it your own by adding in your favorite herbs like a sprinkling of rosemary or parsley!
What is The Difference Between Scalloped and Gratin Potatoes?
We did the research for you! Both delicious and extravagant dishes contain some of the same ingredients (hello whole milk or cream, butter, and potatoes!) but are slightly different! Technically speaking Potatoes Au Gratin, or Potato Leek Au Gratin contain cheese and originated in France, where au gratin is referring to a culinary term meaning to be topped with grated cheese or breadcrumbs, cream, butter, and then baked until golden brown and crispy. In today’s world, scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin are pretty much interchangeable as we use a good amount of cheese in our recipe for scalloped potatoes.
Why are They Called Scalloped Potatoes?
While the precise origin is unknown, the name for scalloped potatoes is said to derive from an English word, collop, which means to slice thinly. On the other hand, historians have said the name comes from the type of dish it is served in such as the original, oysters with breadcrumbs. The term scalloped, also applies in baking, where apples and other stone fruits can be scalloped to achieve a crispy, golden-brown edge as well.
Can Potatoes Be Sliced Ahead of Time for Scalloped Potatoes?
If you’re looking for make ahead scalloped potatoes, look no further. This simple recipe for scalloped potatoes can certainly be made ahead of time! Prepare as you would, then, we recommend cooking covered in foil for 60 minutes! Remove from the oven and cool completely without removing the foil. Place it in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before reheating. Bake in a 400°F oven covered until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling about 45 minutes. We don’t suggest slicing the potatoes ahead of time because they are prone to browning when left out!
What to Serve with Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy, crispy potatoes go with…everything! As an accompaniment to dinner, scalloped potatoes with cheese pair well with Shrimp Scampi en Papillote, Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf, or Baked Cod with Parsley Olive Tapenade. We even like to elevate it with hearty meats such as Chicken Quarters with Shallots and Olive Salad, Baked Salmon, or Pot Roast with Tart Cherry-Black Pepper Sauce. To make it a vegetarian meal, we suggest serving scallop potatoes with Simple Italian Salad, Chopped Salad With Herb Yogurt Dressing, or Roasted Acorn Squash. And while we like to indulge in our best scalloped potato recipe all year round, it also pairs well alongside our favorite holiday dishes (hint! Check out our 40 best Thanksgiving Dishes!) such as Celery and Pear Hazelnut Salad, Classic Pot Roast, and Glazed Carrots.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
Add a little oomph to your holiday meal with these elegant, rich, and creamy easy scalloped potato recipe:
Slice the potatoes! Aim for about ⅛ of an inch for the sweet spot! They’ll go directly into an ice water bath to prevent browning. Pro Tip: Use a mandolin guard! It’s crucial to the dish to get crispy, thin potatoes but protect your hands!
Make the béchamel sauce! This creamy sauce for the absolute best scalloped potato recipes uses garlic, butter, vegetable stock, fresh thyme and cracked pepper, freshly shredded sharp cheese, and a hint of nutmeg!
Arrange! We’ll create three creamy layers of potatoes followed by the cheesy sauce.
Bake and Enjoy! While this scallop potatoes recipe isn’t short on time, it’ll be worth it. Factor in the time by preparing other side dishes while you wait. And don’t forget to uncover and top with cheese for the remaining few minutes to get that ooey-gooey brown crispy top!
Tools You’ll Need for This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Our BEST Potato Recipes
Saying we’re obsessed with potatoes would be an understatement. We compiled the 30 Best Potato Recipes which we make on repeat. Our top favorites, especially great for the holidays, are:
Spectacular Spuds!
Holiday table or dinner party, these spuds are simply delicious! Let us know how they turned out by snapping a quick photo and tagging us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
