There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug, and for me, that’s always been Grandma’s Famous Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Everyone Begs For. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a taste of childhood, a staple at every holiday gathering, and the one dish that disappears first. It’s a simple, classic recipe that relies on humble ingredients to create something truly special. The creamy sauce, the tender potatoes, and that perfectly browned top—it’s comfort food at its absolute best.
Forget the complicated sauces and fancy cheeses. This recipe is all about letting simple, quality ingredients shine. It’s one of those amazing thanksgiving recipes that proves you don’t need a long list of obscure items to make one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes imaginable. Ready to bring a little bit of that old-fashioned goodness to your table? Let’s get started.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. The potatoes are sliced just right, so they cook to a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness without turning to mush. The simple milk-based sauce gets thick and creamy as it bakes, absorbing all the flavor from the onions, butter, and seasonings. It creates a rich, savory backdrop for the earthy potatoes.
This is one of those fantastic side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner because it’s incredibly reliable and can be prepped with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell amazing while it bakes, building anticipation for the feast. Plus, it’s a beautifully rustic dish that looks fantastic in the center of the table, making it a star among other Thanksgiving food sides.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. No condensed soups or processed cheese here—just pure, simple goodness.
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into circles
- 1/2 small onion, sliced in half, then into thin half-moons
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cups milk, preferably whole, heated
Step-By-Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you those perfectly layered and creamy scalloped potatoes. Take your time with the layering—it’s what makes the final dish so good!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Take about half a tablespoon of your butter and generously grease a 2-quart casserole dish. This little step is key to making sure your delicious potatoes don’t stick to the pan later.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Now for the fun part. Start by arranging about one-third of your sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the buttered dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions over the potatoes. Then, dust this layer with one tablespoon of flour, a little of the salt, and a pinch of pepper. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, using about one tablespoon in total. Repeat this entire process for a second layer: another third of the potatoes, the rest of the onions, another tablespoon of flour, salt, pepper, and another tablespoon of butter.
Step 3: Finish the Top Layer and Add Milk
For the final top layer, arrange the remaining potatoes in a nice, overlapping pattern—what some people call shingling. This makes the top look extra pretty when it’s done baking. Sprinkle the last tablespoon of flour, the remaining salt and pepper, and dot with the last tablespoon of butter. Now, gently and slowly pour the heated milk over the top. Try to pour it in a light stream so you don’t wash away all the flour and seasonings. If the milk isn’t seeping down, you can use a thin knife to gently nudge the potatoes and create little channels for it to flow through.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Be quick about it to keep the oven from losing too much heat! A neat trick is to place the foil on the rack below to catch any potential drips. Turn the oven temperature down to 350°F and continue to bake, uncovered, for another 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife pokes through the potatoes with no resistance and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once you take it out of the oven, run a knife around the edge of the dish to loosen the potatoes. This helps prevent those yummy, crispy edges from sticking to the pan when you serve. Let the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This is super important because it allows the sauce to set up and thicken a bit. Then, dig in and enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day! To store them, allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or place the casserole dish back in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the potatoes seem a little dry, you can add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back some of that creaminess.
Conclusion
There you have it—the recipe for Grandma’s Famous Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Everyone Begs For. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a surefire hit at any meal. This dish proves that the most memorable flavors often come from the simplest recipes, made with care. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these scalloped potatoes are sure to bring smiles to the table. I hope your family loves them as much as mine does!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can, but the texture might be slightly different. Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content helps thicken the sauce beautifully. Yukon Golds would be the next best choice; they are a bit waxier but will still yield a creamy and delicious result.
Can I Add Cheese to This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base. To make them cheesy, sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese between each layer and on top. It will add an extra layer of savory flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, but wait to add the milk until you’re ready to bake. Store the layered, unbaked potatoes tightly covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, heat the milk, pour it over, and bake as directed. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
