Best Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: 5 Delicious Steps

Table of Contents

• 1. Why This Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a Must-Try
• 2. Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Scalloped Potatoes
• 3. How to Make the Best Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Step-by-Step
• 4. Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes Every Time
• 5. Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With Your Potatoes

Look no further for the best loaded scalloped potatoes recipe you will ever need. This dish takes classic, creamy scalloped potatoes and elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. We’re talking tender potato slices bathed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, layered with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food and a show-stopping side dish for any occasion.

This isn’t just another potato recipe; it’s a full-on experience. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this potato casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love with cheesy potatoes all over again!

1. Why This Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this the definitive loaded scalloped potatoes recipe? It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. Unlike standard scalloped potatoes that can sometimes be a bit one-note, this version is packed with savory goodness. The smokiness of the bacon, the sharpness of the cheddar, and the subtle tang of sour cream create a symphony of taste in every single bite.

Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to assemble. We skip the complicated roux and create a simple, no-fail cheese sauce that coats every slice of potato perfectly. It’s a decadent, indulgent dish that tastes like it took hours to make, but it comes together with minimal fuss.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate loaded scalloped potatoes.

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick.
• Bacon: 8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
• Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping.
• Heavy Cream: 1.5 cups.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
• Green Onions: 1/4 cup, sliced, for garnish.
• Butter: For greasing the baking dish.

2.1. Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Flexibility is key in the kitchen! If you need to make a swap, here are a few tested suggestions. For the cheese, a mix of Gruyère and cheddar adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you’re out of heavy cream, whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for a savory, earthy flavor.

3. How to Make the Best Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Step-by-Step

Ready to create some magic? Follow these simple steps for a perfect potato bake every time. The key is layering everything evenly to ensure every bite is as good as the last.

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until you have a rich, creamy sauce.
2. Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes Layers: Place one-third of your sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with one-third of the crumbled bacon. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final layer of potatoes topped with the remaining cheese sauce.
3. Bake to Golden Brown Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and continue to bake, uncovered, for another 25-30 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

4. Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes Every Time

Want to ensure your potato casserole is absolutely flawless? Keep these pro tips in mind. First, slice your potatoes as uniformly as possible. This is crucial for even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for perfect, consistent slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work well too.

Second, don’t rinse your potato slices after cutting them! The starch on the potatoes is your friend here; it helps to naturally thicken the cream sauce as it bakes, creating that signature velvety texture. Lastly, let the dish rest after baking. This allows the sauce to set up properly, making it easier to serve and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully.

5. Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With Your Potatoes

This cheesy potatoes side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s a natural fit for a holiday ham, a juicy roasted chicken, or a perfectly cooked steak. The richness of the potatoes complements lean proteins beautifully.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. No matter what you serve it with, these loaded scalloped potatoes are sure to steal the show. Want to explore more comforting side dishes? See others recipes here !

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.

What are the best potatoes to use for scalloped potatoes?

The best potatoes are starchy or all-purpose varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choice because they hold their shape well but still become wonderfully creamy. Russet potatoes are another excellent option, as their high starch content helps create a thick, luscious sauce. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t absorb the sauce as well and can result in a thinner consistency.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover loaded scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual portions, but for the best results, reheat the dish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps the top crisp up again and prevents the potatoes from becoming soggy.