Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
Indulge in the unparalleled comfort of Scalloped Potatoes, elevated to perfection with a crispy, golden top and irresistible layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes. Each bite is a symphony of flavor, drenched in a rich, creamy garlic sauce generously loaded with sharp Parmesan and wonderfully melty mozzarella cheese. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to steal the show at any meal.
Whether you’re a purist seeking classic scalloped potatoes or eager to try our enhanced Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes version, this recipe promises pure, comforting bliss in every forkful. The harmonious blend of savory garlic, robust Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella creates a depth of flavor that is truly unforgettable. For an extraordinary culinary pairing, consider serving these luxurious parmesan scalloped potatoes alongside Grilled Lobster Tails. The richness of garlic butter and the creamy texture of the potatoes create a match made in flavor heaven, transforming any dinner into a gourmet feast.
Beyond lobster, these versatile cheesy potatoes complement a wide array of main courses, from a simple weeknight roast chicken to an elaborate holiday spread. Their ability to adapt and enhance any plate makes them a staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Prepare to be amazed by how such a simple dish can deliver such profound satisfaction.
Why These Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Are a Must-Try
The secret to these sensational Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes lies in a few key elements, meticulously combined to create a truly unforgettable side dish. It all begins with the layers – perfectly thin slices of potato, each absorbing the rich flavors of a luscious garlic cream sauce. But it’s the cheese that truly elevates this dish, with robust Parmesan and wonderfully melty mozzarella woven into every single bite.
The Parmesan cheese plays a crucial role, contributing a bold, salty richness and a depth of umami that invigorates the entire dish. Its sharp, nutty notes contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. Meanwhile, the mozzarella cheese ensures those beloved melty, stretchy pulls that are so satisfying, adding a delightful texture and a mild, milky creaminess that balances the stronger flavors.
However, the real magic, the element that transforms these into truly superior cheesy potatoes, happens under the broiler. That final, intense burst of heat creates a glorious golden, bubbling crust. This crust is not merely a visual delight; it provides a sensational textural contrast – crisp and savory on top, giving way to the tender, creamy potato layers beneath. These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are designed to be the kind of side dish that not only complements your main course but boldly steals the spotlight, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. And trust us, nobody will be complaining.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
These Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are designed to be irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory garlic flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to achieve this comforting masterpiece, along with some insights into why each component is essential:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are our top recommendation for scalloped potatoes. Known for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully during the long baking process, ensuring tender slices that perfectly soak up all that rich cream sauce without turning mushy. While Russets can also be used for a fluffier texture, Yukon Golds offer a more consistent and luxurious result for this dish.
- Fresh Garlic: The backbone of our savory cream sauce! Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic, rich, and deeply savory depth that is absolutely crucial. Avoid garlic powder here; the fresh cloves release unparalleled flavor when gently sautéed. We recommend about 4 large cloves, or one tablespoon of minced garlic for optimal taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for that bold, salty, and wonderfully nutty kick. It melts beautifully into the sauce and between the layers, enhancing every single bite with its distinctive flavor. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect both its melting quality and its flavor, so a block of good quality Parmesan and a grater are your best friends here.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese is all about that luxurious, melty texture and fantastic cheese pull! Shredded mozzarella adds a mild, creamy counterpoint to the sharper Parmesan and contributes to the wonderfully gooey layers. Like Parmesan, freshly shredded mozzarella will melt more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
- Milk: Whole milk is ideal for building the luscious, creamy consistency of the sauce, lending a richness that is hard to beat. However, if you prefer a lighter option, 2% or even skim milk can be used, though you might find the sauce slightly less opulent. You can also substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for an extra-indulgent dish.
- Butter & All-Purpose Flour: These two ingredients form the classic roux, which is the foundation for thickening our creamy sauce. Butter provides a rich base, and cooking the flour into it helps create a smooth, stable sauce that clings perfectly to the potato slices.
- Chicken Bouillon Powder (or Kosher Salt): This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of savory depth and umami to the sauce, making it incredibly flavorful. If you don’t have bouillon powder, good quality Kosher salt will season the sauce perfectly.
- Black Pepper: A simple yet effective seasoning that adds a subtle warmth and a touch of peppery zest, complementing the garlic and cheese beautifully.
- Fresh Chives: Used as a garnish, finely chopped fresh chives provide a delicate oniony freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the potatoes and cheese, adding both visual appeal and a burst of herbaceousness.
Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with precise measurements.
Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste. Opt for fresh garlic, high-quality cheeses, and good potatoes to truly make these Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes shine.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake, leading to even cooking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents the cheesy potatoes from sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside while you meticulously prepare the creamy garlic sauce.
- Start the Garlic Roux: In a sturdy pot or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until it becomes wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Immediately whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue to cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a smooth, stable roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. This is key to preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, adding about ¼ cup at a time. Whisk thoroughly between each addition until the mixture is completely smooth before adding more milk. This technique prevents lumps and ensures a silky, creamy sauce. Once all the milk is incorporated, increase the heat slightly to medium-low and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Cook until it has visibly thickened to a rich, spoon-coating consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder, which adds a fantastic depth of savory flavor. Add a pinch of salt to taste (adjust based on the saltiness of your bouillon) and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well until the seasonings are fully incorporated into the now thickened, aromatic cream sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Once perfected, set the sauce aside, ready for layering.
- Layer the First Half: Now, the assembly begins! Carefully arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in a single, even layer across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Aim for neat, overlapping slices to ensure every bit gets coated. Pour half of the creamy garlic sauce evenly over this potato layer, making sure it seeps between the slices. Finally, generously sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. This creates your first rich and flavorful layer.
- Layer the Second Half: Repeat the layering process to build your second, equally decadent layer. Top the first cheese layer with the remaining potato slices, arranging them as evenly as possible. Follow this with the rest of the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring it’s spread out to cover all the potatoes. Finally, finish by sprinkling over the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This top layer of cheese will transform into that beautiful, bubbly, golden crust we’re aiming for.
- Bake Until Tender and Golden: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, ensuring the potatoes cook through and become fork-tender without drying out. Bake for an initial 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The potatoes should be softened. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully bubbling and golden brown. The uncovered baking period allows the cheese to melt and brown, forming that desired crispy crust.
- Broil and Garnish: For that extra crispy, perfectly browned cheese top, briefly broil the dish for 2–3 minutes. It is absolutely crucial to watch it very closely during this stage, as cheese can burn quickly under the broiler. Once your desired level of crispness and golden-brown perfection is achieved, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped chives. Serve these incredible Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes warm and enjoy!
Once you master these steps, you’ll consistently create a side dish that earns rave reviews. The combination of perfectly cooked potatoes, a rich garlic cream sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust is truly unbeatable. These Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are designed to be both simple to follow and deliver extraordinary results every time.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes are wonderfully rich and creamy, making them an ideal accompaniment for a wide array of main courses that are equally buttery, savory, or robust. Their versatile flavor profile allows them to complement both casual weeknight dinners and elegant holiday feasts.
They are especially delicious when served with comforting classics like Cheesy Meatballs or a classic, hearty Meatloaf, creating a truly satisfying and nostalgic combination. The creamy potatoes perfectly soak up the savory sauces from these dishes, enhancing every mouthful.
For something a little lighter, or to add a touch of sophistication, try pairing them with Garlic Butter Salmon. The crisp, golden top of the potatoes provides a delightful textural contrast to the flaky, tender fish, while the garlic flavors in both dishes harmonize beautifully. They also make an excellent partner to roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a succulent pork tenderloin.
Thinking of holiday meals? These scalloped potatoes are a magnificent addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, offering a comforting and decadent alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, adding a luxurious touch to your festive spread. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cheesy, creamy Scalloped Potatoes always manage to steal the show, leaving a lasting impression on your family and guests.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
For the best results with creamy scalloped potatoes, Yukon Golds or Russets work exceptionally well. Yukon Golds are favored for their inherently buttery flavor and creamy texture, and they maintain their shape beautifully during baking. Russets, on the other hand, tend to yield a softer, fluffier texture once cooked. While other varieties can be used, these two offer the ideal balance for absorbing the rich cream sauce without falling apart.
While you technically can use pre-shredded cheese, we highly recommend freshly grating your Parmesan and mozzarella. Freshly grated cheese melts significantly better and contributes to a smoother, richer, and more luxurious sauce. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent them from melting properly, leading to a slightly grainy texture and less impressive cheese pulls.
Achieving uniform potato slices is paramount for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. The easiest and most effective way to get consistent 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices is by using a mandoline slicer. If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife can also work, but take your time to ensure each slice is as similar in thickness as possible. Even slicing ensures that all the potatoes cook simultaneously, resulting in perfectly tender layers throughout the dish.
Yes, you can prepare these Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time! Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure the potatoes are fully heated through and tender.
Curdling usually happens when dairy is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature, or when acid is added abruptly to hot milk. To prevent curdling in this recipe, ensure you add the milk gradually to the roux on low heat, whisking constantly until smooth. Avoid bringing the sauce to a rapid boil; a gentle simmer is sufficient for thickening. If you plan to add any acidic ingredients (though not in this particular recipe), temper them with a bit of the hot sauce first.
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Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced or 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose or plain flour
- 4 cups milk skim, 2% or full fat – more if needed
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or Kosher salt
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes or Russets, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch – 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives divided
Instructions
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Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prepares your vessel for the deliciousness to come. Set it aside while you begin crafting the rich, creamy garlic sauce.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the specified amount of butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen – be careful not to let it brown too much. Promptly whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring consistently. This step is essential for developing the roux and removing any raw flour taste, laying the foundation for a smooth sauce.
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Lower the heat to medium-low. This controlled heat is critical for preventing lumps. Gradually whisk in the milk, adding approximately ¼ cup at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition until the sauce is smooth before incorporating more milk. This methodical approach ensures a silky, lump-free cream sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, and cook until it visibly thickens to a consistency that lightly coats the back of a spoon.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder for an added layer of savory depth. Season with a pinch of salt (adjust according to your preference and the bouillon’s saltiness) and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is perfectly seasoned. Set the prepared creamy garlic sauce aside.
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It’s time for assembly! Carefully arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in a uniform layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the prepared cream sauce evenly over this potato layer, ensuring good coverage. Then, generously sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. This establishes your first rich, cheesy layer.
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Complete the layering process by topping with the remaining potato slices, arranging them neatly. Follow this with the rest of the creamy garlic sauce, spreading it to cover the potatoes completely. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. This final layer of cheese will create the beautiful, bubbly, golden crust we crave.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure the potatoes cook through. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once tender, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 30 minutes until the top is bubbling, golden, and irresistible. For an extra crisp and beautifully browned cheesy top, you can briefly broil for 2 to 3 minutes, but watch it constantly to prevent burning. Garnish with fresh chives immediately after baking and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
WATCH US MAKE Scalloped Potatoes (VIDEO) RIGHT HERE!
It truly doesn’t get any better than these perfectly baked, creamy, and cheesy scalloped potatoes!