Classic Scalloped Potatoes
These classic scalloped potatoes transform simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food side dish. Tender layers of sliced potatoes are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from scratch, creating a dish that's both elegant and deeply satisfying. The combination of butter, onions, and garlic forms a flavorful base, while the carefully crafted cream sauce brings everything together into a harmonious whole.
This timeless recipe achieves the perfect balance of textures, with each layer of potatoes cooking to tender perfection while the top develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. The sauce, made with a proper roux, ensures a smooth, never-grainy consistency that seeps into every layer, making each bite a perfect combination of creamy and tender.
Ingredients
¼ cup salted butter 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 1 cup chicken broth 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes
Method
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- 2. For the cream sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until the onion softens and becomes translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- 3. In a separate container, combine the milk and chicken broth. Begin adding this liquid mixture to the roux very gradually, whisking continuously after each addition to ensure smoothness. Continue adding the liquid slowly while whisking until it's all incorporated.
- 4. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper, then let the sauce boil for 1 minute to thicken properly.
- 5. To assemble the dish, arrange ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Season this layer with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper, then pour ⅓ of the cream sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
- 6. Repeat this layering process twice more, including the seasoning with each layer, finishing with the final portion of sauce over the last layer of potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven to bake for 45 minutes.
- 7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a knife.
- 8. Remove from the oven and allow the potatoes to rest for at least 20 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken and the layers to set properly.
A Timeless Comfort Classic
Scalloped potatoes have been gracing dinner tables for generations, and for good reason. This classic dish represents the perfect marriage of simple ingredients transformed through careful technique into something truly special. The key to its enduring appeal lies in the careful layering of thinly sliced potatoes with a properly made cream sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and develop during the slow baking process.
The technique of creating a roux-based sauce ensures that these scalloped potatoes achieve the perfect consistency - creamy and rich, but never heavy or gummy. The combination of milk and chicken broth in the sauce provides depth of flavor while maintaining a luxurious texture. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender while absorbing the flavors of the sauce, creating distinct layers that hold together when served.
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from holiday roasts to simple weeknight meals. It can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining or family gatherings. The versatility of this recipe also allows for variations - while this classic version is perfect as is, you can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or additional vegetables to create your own signature version.
Whether served at a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner, these scalloped potatoes represent comfort food at its finest. The combination of careful technique and quality ingredients results in a dish that's both impressive and deeply satisfying, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations make the most memorable meals.