Oh, the sheer delight of a truly comforting side dish, especially one as universally adored as Buttery Scalloped Potatoes! There’s something truly magical about layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that whispers of home and culinary hugs, transforming simple ingredients into a truly spectacular treat.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the comforting scent of melting butter and simmering milk filling the air. She’d meticulously layer potatoes for Sunday supper, a labor of love that always brought everyone to the table with eager anticipation. These cherished memories still inspire my baking.
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet delivers incredible depth of flavor, making it perfect for family meals or special gatherings. My top tip? Don’t rush the baking; that slow, even heat creates the most tender potatoes and the richest sauce imaginable.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
For these delightful scalloped potatoes, we’re leaning on the humble Yukon Gold potato for its creamy texture, and, of course, plenty of unsalted butter to build that incredible flavor foundation. Whole milk forms the luscious sauce that transforms simple slices into irresistible Buttery Scalloped Potatoes. Find the full list below!
How to Make Buttery Scalloped Potatoes
Crafting these Buttery Scalloped Potatoes is a joyful journey. We begin by thinly slicing Yukon Golds, then prepare a rich, buttery cream sauce. Layers of potato and sauce are lovingly assembled, then baked until tender and bubbly. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley adds the perfect finish before resting and serving this comforting dish.
Classic Buttery Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Peel potatoes and slice them uniformly thin (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, and toss gently.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the warmed whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk, until it thickens to the consistency of a thin gravy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be well-seasoned.
- Arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour about one-third of the buttery cream sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, followed by another third of the sauce. Finish with the remaining potatoes, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top, ensuring all potatoes are mostly submerged in the sauce. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil again.
- Once baked, remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the layers to firm up. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Making the perfect Buttery Scalloped Potatoes is all about a few simple touches that make a world of difference.
Uniform Slices are Key
Use a mandoline if you have one! Evenly thin slices ensure all potatoes cook at the same rate, resulting in a wonderfully consistent tender texture throughout. It’s a small step that yields big results for your creamy creation.
Don’t Overcook Your Sauce
When making the cream sauce, whisk constantly and cook just until thickened. It will continue to thicken during baking, so keep it pourable, not gluey, at the start. This ensures the sauce permeates every layer perfectly.
My Secret Trick: I always cover my scalloped potatoes for the first two-thirds of baking. This traps moisture, ensuring the potatoes become perfectly tender without drying out. Uncover for the last 20 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust!
Allow to Rest
Just like a beautiful roast, these need time to settle after baking. A 10-15 minute rest allows the sauce to fully set, making for cleaner, more defined servings and preventing any watery mess. Patience truly rewards you with perfectly cohesive Buttery Scalloped Potatoes.
Fun Variations for Buttery Scalloped Potatoes
While our classic recipe for Buttery Scalloped Potatoes is perfect as is, part of the joy of home baking is making a recipe truly your own! Here are a few ways to add a personal twist:
Cheesy Indulgence
For an extra layer of richness, my sister always asks me to incorporate a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere alongside the Parmesan. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a wonderful, nutty depth that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Herbaceous Notes
Experiment with fresh herbs! A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary mixed into the sauce can elevate the aroma and flavor profile. It adds a sophisticated touch, especially if you’re serving it for a special holiday meal.
Smoky Bacon Bliss
A friend loves when I crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top of the potatoes about halfway through baking, or even stir some into the sauce. The smoky, salty crunch is an incredible contrast to the creamy potatoes, making these an unforgettable dish.
What to Serve With Buttery Scalloped Potatoes
Our incredible Buttery Scalloped Potatoes truly shine as a star side dish, and finding the perfect companions makes the meal even more memorable.
Classic Roasts
There’s nothing quite like pairing these creamy potatoes with a succulent roast chicken, a tender pork loin, or even a holiday ham. The richness of the potatoes is a beautiful counterpoint to the savory meat, creating a comforting, hearty meal.
Fresh Green Vegetables
To balance the indulgence, I love serving them alongside a vibrant green vegetable like steamed asparagus, garlicky green beans, or a simple crisp garden salad. The freshness provides a lovely contrast, cutting through the richness beautifully.
A Quick Gravy
For a complete and comforting meal, a simple pan gravy made from the roast drippings is an absolute dream. It’s a wonderful way to tie all the flavors together, and it’s a great time-saver if you’re already making a roast!
How to Store Buttery Scalloped Potatoes
Leftover Buttery Scalloped Potatoes are a rare treat, but if you find yourself with some, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness!
Refrigeration
Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover scalloped potatoes to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them fantastic for meal prepping or a quick lunch!
Reheating for Best Results
For reheating, I always recommend the oven. Cover the dish with foil and warm it at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. If you want to regain a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
My Personal Tip: Before reheating, I love to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even a touch of smoked paprika over the top. It adds a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely golden finish, bringing those Buttery Scalloped Potatoes back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
While we certainly indulge with this dish, our Buttery Scalloped Potatoes offer more than just comfort! Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and potassium, and whole milk contributes calcium. It’s a satisfying treat that combines simple, wholesome ingredients with a dash of pure joy.
FAQs
Can I prepare these Buttery Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and tender Buttery Scalloped Potatoes.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for these scalloped potatoes because of their creamy texture and relatively low starch content, which helps them hold their shape without getting mushy. Russets can also work, but Yukon Golds truly shine in this recipe.
Why do my scalloped potatoes sometimes turn out watery?
Watery scalloped potatoes often result from potatoes releasing moisture during baking, or the sauce not thickening enough. Ensure your sauce is adequately cooked before combining, and consider salting your sliced potatoes slightly before layering to draw out excess water.
Can I use a different cheese in my Buttery Scalloped Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely salty kick, feel free to experiment. Gruyere offers a nutty, melting quality, while sharp cheddar can provide a bolder, more piquant flavor. Any good melting cheese will work beautifully in your Buttery Scalloped Potatoes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my sweet friends – a recipe for truly exquisite Buttery Scalloped Potatoes that promises to be a cherished addition to your table. This dish isn’t just about potatoes and sauce; it’s about creating moments, sharing warmth, and bringing people together with a comforting, homemade touch. Embrace the joy of baking, and watch as these simple ingredients transform into a magical treat that your loved ones will adore. Happy baking!