The Best Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent appeal, have earned their status as a timeless favorite. As the potatoes cook, their starch melds with the cream, transforming it into a luxurious sauce, while the cheese topping takes on a golden and savory essence in the oven. Allowing the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before serving ensures smoother slicing and serving.

Ingredients

  • Total: 1 hr 10 min
  • Active: 10 min
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish

4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1 cup shredded Gruyere (about 4 ounces)

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1 1/2 ounces)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. Begin by peeling the potatoes and then slicing them into thin 1/8-inch rounds, using either a mandoline or a sharp knife.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced potatoes, heavy cream, whole milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and a touch of nutmeg. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the potatoes to cook until they are tender and nearly cooked through, retaining their shape, which should take about 5 minutes. (They should not become overly soft and mushy.) Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  4. Now, add in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently to blend everything together. Pour this potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven until the top turns a light golden brown, and the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, approximately 45 minutes. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.