There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy, and creamy dish of Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner, preparing a holiday feast, or just craving a rich, satisfying side dish, this recipe is the perfect choice.
This homemade creamy scalloped potatoes recipe combines thinly sliced potatoes, a silky cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy topping to create a dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a show-stopping side dish that pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, ham, or even a vegetarian main course.
Let’s dive into the best Creamy Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes recipe that’s SEO-friendly, AdSense-approved, and optimized for deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – The velvety cheese sauce coats every slice of potato for an indulgent bite.
✔ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques—just slice, layer, and bake!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, Sunday dinners, or potlucks.
✔ Golden & Crispy Topping – A mix of cheese and breadcrumbs creates a deliciously crispy top layer.
✔ Customizable – Add garlic, bacon, or different cheeses for a unique twist.
What’s the Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes?
Many people use the terms scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes interchangeably, but there is a slight difference:
🥔 Scalloped Potatoes – Typically made with a cream-based sauce and no cheese in between the layers.
🧀 Au Gratin Potatoes – Contains cheese between the layers and often a crispy breadcrumb topping.
This recipe is the best of both worlds, combining the creamy texture of scalloped potatoes with the cheesy, golden goodness of au gratin!
Ingredients for Creamy Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes
To make this rich and creamy potato dish, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold), thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but recommended)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (enhances the cheesy flavor)
For the Crispy Topping:
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (for that golden top layer)
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Creamy Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick) using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even cuts.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic if using. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is slightly golden (this helps remove the raw flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped onions and garlic over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the first layer.
- Repeat the layers: potatoes, onions, and remaining cheese sauce.
Step 4: Add the Topping & Bake
- Sprinkle Gruyère (or mozzarella) and Panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce thicken and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
What to Serve with Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy potatoes go well with a variety of main dishes:
🥩 Grilled Steak or Roast Beef – The rich sauce complements savory meats.
🍗 Baked Chicken or Turkey – A perfect side dish for holiday meals.
🐟 Garlic Butter Salmon – The creaminess pairs beautifully with seafood.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Tips for the Best Creamy Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes
✔ Use the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while Yukon Golds offer a firmer bite.
✔ Slice Evenly – Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform cooking.
✔ Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving prevents runny sauce.
✔ Mix Cheeses for Depth – A blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates the best flavor.
✔ Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese, and you’ll have classic scalloped potatoes instead of au gratin.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the sauce.
5. What’s the best way to make this dish even richer?
For an ultra-creamy version, replace half of the heavy cream with cream cheese for added richness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Scalloped Au Gratin Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, family dinner, or potluck, this cheesy, golden, and delicious dish will be a crowd favorite!
Try it today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 🧀🥔
