This Scalloped Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, cheesy layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes with a golden, bubbly top. The combination of rich heavy cream, nutty Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese creates pure comfort food magic that's surprisingly simple to make.
4poundsYukon Gold potatoes1.8kg, washed and peeled
3cupsheavy cream720ml
2cupswhole milk480ml
4clovesgarlicminced
3tablespoonsbutterplus extra for greasing the dish
3tablespoonsall-purpose flour
2cupsGruyere cheeseshredded, about 200g
1cupParmesan cheesegrated, about 90g
2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonblack pepper
1/2teaspoonnutmegfreshly grated preferred
2tablespoonsfresh thyme leaveschopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Wash, peel, and prepare all ingredients.
Using a mandoline set to 1/8-inch thickness, slice all potatoes. Place in cold water to prevent browning, then pat dry before layering.
Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, then gradually add cream and milk. Simmer until thickened, season, and stir in half the cheeses.
Layer potatoes, sauce, and cheese in the baking dish, repeating 4-5 times and finishing with sauce and remaining cheese on top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes if needed for extra browning.
Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving so the sauce sets. Garnish with fresh thyme and slice into squares.
Notes
Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for even cooking throughout the dish.
Pat potatoes completely dry after soaking so the sauce clings to each layer.
Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best warm, aromatic flavor in the cream sauce.
Simmer the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon to avoid watery scalloped potatoes.
Overlap potato slices like shingles to create structure and help layers hold together.
Cover tightly during the first bake to trap steam and ensure potatoes cook through.
Rest the dish 10-15 minutes before serving for cleaner slices and a set sauce.
Make ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to covered baking time.
Storage: refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Variations: add crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, or swap thyme for rosemary or sage.