Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy cozy comfort food with these delicious creamy scalloped potatoes. This classic dish layers tender potatoes with a rich, cheesy cream sauce and savory herbs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 5: In your baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, spreading some of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture between the layers. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over each layer to coat the potatoes well. Repeat until all potatoes are layered, finishing with a final layer of cream on top.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Step 7: Let the scalloped potatoes sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing Gruyère or mozzarella with the cheddar cheese.
- Use a mandoline to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm, subtle spice.
- Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage to change the herb profile.
Storage
Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the creamy texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
While russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative for a creamier and slightly buttery flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before baking?
No, thinly sliced raw potatoes will cook perfectly during the baking process, especially when layered with the cream sauce that keeps them moist.
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender slices of russet potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sautéed onions and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the scalloped potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to build rich flavor.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary until the mixture is well blended, creating a flavorful base for the potatoes.
- Layer Ingredients: In your baking dish, create layers by placing slices of potatoes, then spreading some of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the layer, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated. Repeat this process until all potatoes are layered, finishing with a final pour of the cream sauce on top.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the scalloped potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the dish to set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add aromatic complexity; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half.
- Letting the dish rest after baking improves texture and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a less creamy result.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, comfort food, cheddar cheese potatoes, easy side dish

