Creamy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: A Cheesy Family Delight

Creamy, golden-brown scalloped potatoes with swiss cheese will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, velvety sauce create a comfort food masterpiece.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of tender potatoes and melted cheese.

The classic side dish brings warmth to any dinner table with its decadent texture and incredible flavor profile.

Sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese add depth to this irresistible potato casserole.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dish that screams homemade goodness.

Serve these scalloped potatoes alongside roasted meats for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Potato Bake Success Tips

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
• Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to protect cheese from scorching and maintain a creamy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or smoked cheddar to add complexity and richness to the dish.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime easier.
• Opt for low-sodium bacon and reduce added salt to create a healthier version without compromising taste.

Spin on Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Gratin: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version that still delivers rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate dish that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired potato casserole with a kick.

Pairings for Scalloped Potatoes

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty dish as a centerpiece for Sunday dinners with roasted meats like chicken or pot roast.
• Potluck Perfection
• Holiday Showstopper: Elevate your Thanksgiving or Christmas table with this rich, comforting potato casserole that screams home-cooked love.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair with a light green salad and crispy bacon for a weekend brunch that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

How to Keep Scalloped Potatoes Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the potatoes cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled scalloped potatoes to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot and steaming.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that absorbs the sauce perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace it with additional caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly thick (about 1/4 inch) and avoid overcooking. Layering them carefully and using the right potato variety helps maintain their structure.

• Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• This loaded scalloped potatoes recipe offers endless personalization options for family and friends.
• Rich cheese, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering combination that elevates classic potato dishes.
• Simple cooking techniques transform basic ingredients into a gourmet side dish with deep, complex tastes that will impress everyone at the table.
• Perfect for gatherings, this hearty recipe serves multiple people and can be prepared ahead of time, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy, hearty vegetable that forms the base of this comforting dish.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the roux and flavor.

• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty taste.
• Cheese: Melty ingredient that adds depth and creamy texture to the dish.

• Onions, Salt, Pepper: Caramelized onions and basic seasonings that build layers of flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent used to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking onions and adding a subtle background flavor.

Tools Checklist for Potato Bake

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the potatoes, ensuring even cooking and perfect presentation.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions and cooking crispy bacon with ease.
• Saucepan: Crucial for creating the creamy roux and sauce that gives the dish its rich flavor.
• Whisk: Key tool for smoothly blending butter and flour, and incorporating milk into a silky sauce.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing onions and cutting potatoes with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.

Steps to Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Onions

Grab a skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

Toss in sliced onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Let them dance and caramelize over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and sweet.

Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon

Use the same skillet to cook bacon until it’s wonderfully crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create a Silky Roux

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Dust flour over the butter and whisk like crazy to create a smooth, golden base.

Let it cook and bubble for a couple of minutes to remove that raw flour taste.

Step 5: Craft a Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Let it simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Build Delicious Layers

• Sliced potatoes
• Caramelized onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy sauce

Start with a layer of potatoes, then sprinkle onions, bacon, and cheese.

Drizzle sauce generously.

Repeat the layers until your dish is full of deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes.

The potatoes should be tender and the top golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 10 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes blend rich cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes into a comforting classic. Cheese-lovers and potato enthusiasts will savor each indulgent, hearty bite of this irresistible side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon or russet)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light butter layer.
2. Transform onions into a golden-brown delicacy by sautéing in olive oil over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper until caramelized. Transfer to a separate container.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render bacon until crisp and brittle. Drain excess fat and crumble into small fragments.
4. Craft a foundational roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then dusting flour across the surface. Whisk thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Develop a creamy sauce by gradually incorporating milk into the roux, whisking continuously. Allow mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Construct flavor-packed layers in the baking dish: spread initial potato layer, distribute caramelized onions, sprinkle crumbled bacon, scatter cheese, and drizzle sauce. Repeat entire layering process.
7. Shield dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes reach tender perfection.
8. Rest the dish for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle before serving warm.

Notes

• Potato Selection Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best absorption of the rich sauce.
• Cheese Variations Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a combination for more complex flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Friendly Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Dietary Modifications Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for lighter, vegetarian-friendly options.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg