Description

A classic comfort food dish, creamy scalloped potatoes are tender, rich, and perfect for holiday dinners. This recipe ensures a creamy sauce that clings to every slice of potato for a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds Potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or Russet (Yukon Golds are creamy and tender, while Russets are starchier.)
3 tablespoons Butter (For greasing the baking dish and making the sauce.)
1 medium Onion (You can substitute with shallot if you prefer a milder flavor.)
2 cloves Garlic (Optional, but recommended for added flavor.)
1/4 cup Flour (To thicken the sauce.)
2 cups Milk (Use whole milk or a mix of milk and heavy cream.)
1 cup Heavy cream (Optional for a richer sauce.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Adjust according to taste.)
1 tablespoon Fresh thyme or parsley (Optional for seasoning.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic if using, stir in flour, and cook for about a minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, then season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Assembling and Baking

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish and pour half of the sauce over the top.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, finishing with sauce on top. Gently press the potatoes down to make sure the sauce seeps in.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure to slice the potatoes evenly and allow the dish to rest after baking for a creamy texture. You can add cheese, bacon, or herbs for variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Comfort Food, Holiday, Side Dish
Cuisine: American