Creamy garlic scalloped potatoes are a rich, comforting baked potato dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy garlic sauce and baked until golden, tender, and bubbling. This classic homemade scalloped potatoes recipe is popular for family dinners, holiday meals, and special occasions because it combines simple ingredients with gourmet flavor. The dish features layers of soft potatoes soaked in a velvety mixture of cream, butter, garlic, and herbs that caramelize beautifully in the oven.
This recipe is often searched online under high-CPM food keywords such as easy scalloped potatoes recipe, creamy potato casserole, baked garlic potatoes, homemade comfort food recipes, holiday dinner side dishes, and best potato recipes for family meals.
🥘 Ingredients
To prepare this easy creamy garlic scalloped potatoes recipe, you will need:
Main Ingredients
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4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), thinly sliced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
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½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional toppings:
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Extra cheese
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Parmesan cheese
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Fresh herbs
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes into about ⅛-inch thick slices. Thin slices allow the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
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Melt the butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
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Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk.
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Add salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and parsley.
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Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
This step creates the rich homemade garlic cream sauce that makes the dish so flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
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Grease a baking dish.
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Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the bottom.
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Pour some of the cream sauce over the potatoes.
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Sprinkle cheese on top.
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Repeat layers until everything is used.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil, add extra cheese if desired, and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This classic baked potato casserole pairs perfectly with:
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Roast chicken
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Grilled steak
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Holiday turkey
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Baked salmon
It is one of the most popular comfort food side dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday family dinners.
⭐ Cooking Tips
✔ Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
✔ Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
✔ Add gruyère cheese for a gourmet flavor.
✔ For extra richness, substitute milk with more heavy cream.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes usually have a cream-based sauce, while au gratin potatoes contain more cheese layered between the potatoes.
2. Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use full-fat dairy products and cook the sauce slowly while stirring.
4. What are the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
The best choices are:
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Yukon Gold
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Russet potatoes
These varieties create a soft, creamy texture.
5. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes. Traditional scalloped potatoes recipes often do not include cheese, but cheese adds extra flavor.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
7. Can scalloped potatoes be frozen?
Yes, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.
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These keywords help food bloggers attract high-traffic searches related to cooking, recipes, and home food preparation.
✅ Summary
Creamy garlic scalloped potatoes are a rich, delicious, and easy baked potato recipe perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings. With thinly sliced potatoes, garlic cream sauce, and melted cheese, this comforting dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal ingredients.
