Scalloped Potatoes

Much like green bean casserole and angel biscuits, scalloped potatoes belong on Southern dinner tables at almost any occasion. The rich, tender, creamy potato casserole is elegant enough for a nice holiday dinner but also humble enough for a weeknight meal, family dinner, or reunion potluck.

With fewer than 10 ingredients on the list, scalloped potatoes also isn't a fussy recipe. In fact, the most complicated aspect of this scalloped potatoes recipe is getting the potatoes sliced thinly. We recommend using a mandoline slicer. It makes cutting uniform slices of potatoes and other vegetables incredibly easy. Just be sure to use the guard or a cut-resistant glove to protect your fingertips.

Learn how to make scalloped potatoes, and start planning your next menu for this classic Southern side.

What Are Scalloped Potatoes Made Of?

This scalloped potato recipe calls for just 8 ingredients, many of which you may have on hand right now.

• Yukon Gold potatoes: These small, waxy yellow potatoes maintain good texture and structure after baking. White potatoes like russet can be a bit too grainy.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cream sauce.
• Whole milk and butter: Makes the cream sauce, well, creamy and rich. You could use half-and-half or cream, too, but skim milk wouldn't work.
• Ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and fresh thyme leaves: These provide delicate flavors and don't overwhelm the potatoes and cream sauce. Nutmeg is used in a lot of cream sauces. It adds a savoriness you can't get with dairy and flour typically.
• Yellow onion: Add a silky texture with slight sweetness.

How To Make Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a highly impressive dish. Good thing they're also easy. Here's a brief outline of the recipe, and the full recipe with step-by-step images is further below.

• Prep the pan: To make this recipe for scalloped potatoes, first preheat the oven to 400°F, and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Make the sauce: Melt butter into a saucepan, adding flour and cooking while stirring constantly until a paste forms and bubbles (but does not brown). Whisk in milk and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, and whisk in nutmeg and salt. Cook while whisking until thickened before removing from the heat and setting aside.
• Sauté onion: Heat the remaining butter in a nonstick skillet, and add onion, thyme, and salt. Cook until softened, and remove from heat.
• Build the casserole: Add one-third of the potatoes to the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Top with half of the onion mixture and one-third of the cream sauce, and repeat the layers until finished, ending with the cream sauce on top.
• Cook the casserole: Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue to bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20 to 25 more minutes. Remove from the oven, and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

What Is the Difference Between Scalloped and Gratin Potatoes?

While both scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes typically use heavy cream, flour, and butter for a rich texture and flavor, only au gratin potatoes also contain grated cheese.

The culinary term gratin refers to the method of baking or broiling with a grated cheese and breadcrumb-based topping for a crispy result.

What Does It Mean To Scallop Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are sliced thinly, layered, and cooked in a creamy sauce with flour, cream, and butter. There are no actual scallops involved, despite what the name may suggested. In fact, the technique for scalloped vegetables means simply that the dish uses a cream sauce and sometimes breadcrumbs. Try Scalloped Corn Casserole or Scalloped Potatoes With Ham next.

What Do Scalloped Potatoes Taste Like?

In this recipe, scalloped potatoes are tender with a sauce that is creamy, rich, and decadent. The onion imparts a slightly sweet flavor.

How To Store Scalloped Potatoes

If you have leftovers, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, and refrigerate up to 4 days. If you only have a portion or two of the potatoes, scoop them into an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave, or warm them in an oven.

Can Potatoes Be Sliced Ahead of Time for Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes make an ideal holiday side dish—and you can begin the prep the day before serving to manage your time in the kitchen. Potatoes can be peeled about 24 hours ahead of time.

As soon as you peel them, fully submerge the potatoes in a bowl of water. This will keep them from the discoloration that occurs when they come in contact with the air.

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.