Classic Scalloped Potatoes

An oval casserole of scalloped potatoes, browned on the top, a wooden spoon and tea towel in the background.

5 from 2 votes

This recipe for classic, oven-baked scalloped potatoes is a tried-and-true family favorite that's easy to make and a favorite for holidays and Sunday dinners.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1

Total Time1 20

Course: Sides

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Lynne Webb

Ingredients

3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon flour plus more if needed
4 tablespoons butter cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half plus more if needed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and generously butter a 3-quart casserole dish.
Arrange a single layer of potato slices in the bottom of the casserole dish with their edges overlapping slightly and season with salt and pepper.
Add the flour to a small, fine-mesh strainer and dust the potatoes as evenly as possible (like you were sprinkling powdered sugar). Add another layer of potatoes, season, and dust with flour, then scatter a few pieces of butter over them.
Heat 1 cup of the milk in the microwave for 1 minute, then pour 1/4 cup evenly over those first two layers of potatoes. Repeat the above process with the remaining potato slices. Make sure you have some butter left to dot the top layer.
How much milk you need will depend on the shape and size of your casserole dish. The level should come about 3/4 of the way up the height of the potatoes, so if you need more than the initial 1 cup, add it in small increments and be careful not to add too much.
Butter a piece of aluminum foil, cover the casserole tightly and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Remove the foil, tilt the dish, and spoon some of the liquid over the top of the potatoes. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes longer, or until the liquid has evaporated, and the top layer of potatoes is golden brown.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

There are a number of variables that can affect how scalloped potatoes turn out, so we recommend that you use our recipe as a guideline for quantities and follow the tips below to ensure success.

Cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch slices. Using a food processor or mandoline makes this job a lot easier.
Be sure to season every layer of potatoes liberally because you're not able to adjust the seasoning once the dish is cooked.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to evenly dust each layer of potatoes with flour. Don't go too heavy with this. You still want to be able to see the potato slices, not a blanket of flour.
Use only whole milk or half-and-half - NO reduced-fat or skim.
The milk level should come 3/4 of the way up the height of the potato layers. Don't exceed this recommendation or your potatoes could be runny.
Cover the casserole tightly with foil for the first half of the cooking time. This essentially steams the potatoes in milk until tender.
Once the potatoes are tender, return them to the oven uncovered so that all the milk is absorbed and the top layer is nicely browned.
Let the scalloped potatoes stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the last of the remaining liquid to be absorbed.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Here are two easy variations of our classic scalloped potato recipe.

SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH FONTINA, ONIONS, AND SAGE

In addition to the ingredients in the basic recipe, you'll need:

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1 cup coarsely grated Fontina cheese

Before assembling the scalloped potatoes, sauté the onions over medium heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sage and continue cooking until the garlic is fragrant, 2 minutes more.

Follow the instructions above for preparing the layers of potatoes, scattering the onion mixture and a few tablespoons of cheese over every other layer. Be sure to reserve some cheese for the top.

SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH SOUR CREAM, HAVARTI, AND DILL

In addition to the ingredients in the basic recipe, you'll need:

1/3 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup coarsely grated Havarti cheese

Whisk the sour cream and dill into your milk and proceed with the basic recipe for Scalloped Potatoes above.

When the potatoes are tender, and you're ready to uncover the casserole, scatter the grated Havarti on top and continue baking until bubbly and lightly browned.

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