Creamy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Rustic Comfort Bliss

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, these loaded scalloped potatoes burst with flavor in every bite.

This comforting side dish combines tender potato slices with a rich, velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

The recipe elevates classic potatoes with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions sprinkled throughout.

Each layer promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance.

Perfectly seasoned and baked until golden brown, these potatoes transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to indulge in a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing potato masterpiece.

Crowd Favorites: Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This loaded scalloped potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bacon for ham, add different herbs, or include extra cheese to make the recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Using an oven-safe skillet means fewer dishes, simpler cleanup, and a streamlined cooking process that saves time and energy.
• Impress Without Stress: The recipe looks and tastes gourmet but requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Creamy, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce base.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheeses that melt beautifully and provide deep flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds smoky and salty notes to the dish.

• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth cheese sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chives: Fresh herb that adds a mild onion flavor and bright green color as a finishing touch.

Easy Steps for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your mandoline and slice those potatoes paper-thin with precision.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Sauce Foundation

In a saucepan, melt butter until golden and bubbling.

• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir and cook for one minute to develop deep flavors.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly.

Let it simmer and thicken for 5-8 minutes until the sauce looks luxuriously smooth.

Step 3: Cheese Magic

Pull the sauce off the heat.

Fold in half of your cheese blend until it melts into a dreamy, silky mixture.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Spread potato slices in a spacious 12-inch oven-safe skillet.

Shower most of the crispy bacon pieces across the potatoes.

Pour the velvety cheese sauce over everything.

Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the skillet and bake for 60 minutes until potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Uncover and broil 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy top.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Scatter fresh chives over the dish.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Layered Scalloped Potatoes

• Use a mandoline for consistently thin potato slices to ensure uniform cooking and a beautiful layered texture.
• Whisk milk gradually and cook sauce until it coats the back of a spoon for perfect creamy consistency without being too runny.
• Cover the dish during initial baking to protect potatoes from drying out, then uncover for final browning to achieve golden crispy top.
• Cook bacon until crispy before adding to potatoes for maximum crunch and intense smoky flavor throughout the dish.
• Mix sharp cheddar with mild cheese like gruyere for complex, rich flavor profile that complements the creamy potato base.

Cheesy Potato Variations to Try Next

• Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Potatoes: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle with cilantro and use smoked paprika for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower. Maintain the same cheese sauce and bacon elements for a keto-friendly option.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the cheese sauce. Top with crispy pancetta instead of bacon for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Potatoes

• Party Plate Pairing: Serve alongside juicy roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty dinner that satisfies every comfort food craving.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a weekend morning feast that will wow your guests.
• Potluck Superstar: Transport in a covered dish for family gatherings, making sure to keep it warm and topped with extra crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
• Holiday Showstopper: Make as a crowd-pleasing side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, bringing creamy, cheesy goodness to the table that everyone will love.

Storing Loaded Scalloped Potatoes for Later

• Store any remaining scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, but a quick reheat will help restore its original texture.
• Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and creamy consistency.

FAQs

• How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline to slice potatoes about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a perfect creamy texture throughout the dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, cheddar and gruyere work best, but you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack or fontina for similar rich flavor.

• What if I don't have a mandoline?

Carefully slice potatoes with a sharp knife, trying to keep slices as uniform as possible. Aim for consistent 1/8 inch thickness to ensure even cooking.

• Do I need to soak potatoes before baking?

No need to soak potatoes for this recipe. Just slice them and layer directly into the skillet with cheese sauce and bacon.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, indulgent Loaded Scalloped Potatoes bring comfort and cheesy delight to your dinner table. Layers of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a hearty side dish that family and friends will crave with every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) russet potatoes (8–10 medium), peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups (735 grams) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 cup (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Toppings:

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a mandoline for precise potato slicing, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
2. Create a rich sauce base by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Remove sauce from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheese varieties, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
5. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in overlapping layers within a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, creating an elegant circular pattern.
6. Sprinkle most of the crispy bacon pieces over the potato layers, reserving some for final garnish.
7. Pour the velvety cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring complete coverage and saturation.
8. Top with remaining cheese and bacon bits, creating a tempting golden surface.
9. Cover the skillet and bake for 60 minutes until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
10. Uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, caramelized top with beautiful golden-brown edges.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a sharp mandoline for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Control sauce thickness by whisking milk gradually and watching for the right creamy consistency.
• Try different cheese combinations like gruyère or sharp cheddar for deeper flavor profiles.
• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for vegetarian-friendly version without compromising richness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg