If you love rich, comforting side dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then get ready to fall head over heels for The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This is not your average scalloped potatoes dish; it’s all about layering thinly sliced russets in a luscious, velvety cream sauce infused with fresh herbs and garlic, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The cheddar cheese adds that perfect cheesy punch, making each bite irresistibly smooth and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a special holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe elevates simple potatoes into something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy potato gratin showing several layers of thin, oval potato slices mostly covered by a golden brown melted cheese crust with bubbling and slight spots of darker brown. Small sprigs of fresh thyme decorate the top, adding green contrast to the warm creamy and cheesy textures. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a glass of sparkling water and part of a white plate with a black fork visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each element plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and creamy texture that make this dish a standout. These simple essentials come together beautifully to create The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the aromatics to release their flavor.
Small onion: Minced finely, it brings a subtle sweetness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced, they give a gentle savory depth without overpowering the potatoes.
Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering lusciousness and that satisfyingly rich mouthfeel.
Whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough so the sauce is indulgent but never too heavy.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuse a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Bay leaves: Added during simmering for a subtle earthy undertone.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer to bring out the full flavor of the potatoes and cream.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
Russet potatoes: Peeled and sliced thinly for that tender but structured bite that holds up in layers.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled between layers and on top, it melts into gooey pockets of sharp, creamy goodness.

How to Make The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic, cooking gently until fragrant and translucent but not browned—this builds the flavor base for the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 10 minutes, allowing those fresh herb aromas to infuse deeply.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly

While the cream sauce simmers, peel your russet potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Using a mandoline slicer here can be a game-changer for getting evenly thin slices that cook perfectly and stack beautifully in layers.

Step 3: Start Layering the Dish

Butter a large baking dish generously to prevent sticking. Begin by placing a single layer of potato slices evenly across the bottom. Spoon a portion of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 1 to 1 ¼ hours until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown beautifully and the cheese to bubble. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken up just right.

How to Serve The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a two-part view of a dark pot with blue handles placed on a white marbled surface. In the first part, the pot contains a creamy white liquid with small yellow bits scattered throughout, along with two green bay leaves and a sprig of thyme floating on top. In the second part, the pot is filled with thin, stacked slices of pale yellow potatoes partially submerged in the creamy mixture, with a wooden spoon resting on the pot’s edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the rich creaminess. For a little extra luxury, a light dusting of smoked paprika can add warmth and mild smokiness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, as its creamy texture acts as the perfect foil for savory main courses. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans add freshness and crunch, balancing the indulgent potatoes effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try spooning the scalloped potatoes into individual ramekins for elegant single servings. You can even mix in cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions between the layers for an elevated rustic twist that keeps everyone guessing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. This method keeps the potatoes creamy and prevents the cheese from drying out or burning.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness and melting quality, Gruyère or mozzarella can add nice flavor variations. Just pick a cheese that melts well to preserve that creamy texture.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling russet potatoes gives the dish a smoother finish, but if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic touch, you can leave the skins on after thorough washing. Just slice thinly to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To adapt for dairy-free diets, use coconut cream and almond milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor.

How thin should the potato slices be?

For the best texture, aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices. Too thick means longer cooking and uneven cream absorption; too thin can cause the potatoes to become mushy.

Why do the thyme and bay leaves matter?

The fresh thyme adds a fragrant herbal brightness that cuts through the richness, while bay leaves provide subtle earthiness during simmering, giving the sauce depth and complexity without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress your family or guests with a stunning and deeply comforting side, The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its luscious layers of tender potatoes bathed in rich, herb-infused cream topped with melted cheddar make it a memorable dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Roll up your sleeves and dive into this indulgent classic—you’ll be so glad you did!

The Creamiest Scalloped Potatoes Recipe