Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Serves 10-12

To learn more, read:
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes
by Tony Rosenfeld
from Fine Cooking
Issue 103
Last Edit Date: 3/26/2012 4:56:17 PM

Not only are rich scalloped potatoes easy to make, but they go with everything from a weeknight roast chicken to a Sunday roast beef. The key to this classic comfort food recipe is starting with waxy Yukon Gold potatoes and slicing them thinly and uniformly. Equal amounts of heavy cream and whole milk result in the perfect tender texture and creamy consistency. Resist the urge to use lighter versions of either ingredient if it’s the real thing you’re after.

If you’re going to use a mandoline to slice the potatoes, be sure to watch our video for tips on applying even and consistent pressure while running your potato over the blade.

more about:

2 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; more for the baking dish
1-3/4 cups heavy cream
1-3/4 cups whole milk
4 medium cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3-1/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (8 to 10 large), peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 3-quart (9x13x2-inch) baking dish.

In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, whisk the cream, milk, garlic, thyme, nutmeg, 2-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and then remove from the heat and let cool in the pan to room temperature. Strain through a fine sieve into a large liquid measuring cup.

Arrange about a third of the potatoes in an overlapping layer in the baking dish. Give the cream mixture a quick whisk and pour about a third of it over the potatoes. Repeat twice more with the remaining potatoes and cream mixture. Dot the butter over the top and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a paring knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and heat the broiler on high. Uncover the potatoes and gently press them down with a flat spatula so the cream mixture mostly covers them. Broil until nicely browned on top, 5 to 8 minutes. Let the potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Tips

The dish can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Let sit at room temperature while the oven heats. You can keep the cooked scalloped potatoes, covered, in a warm oven for up to 1 hour before serving.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 270; Fat (g): 16; Fat Calories (kcal): 150; Saturated Fat (g): 10; Protein (g): 4; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 4.5; Carbohydrates (g): 28; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 0.5; Sodium (mg): 270; Cholesterol (mg): 55; Fiber (g): 2;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by TheMomChef, 2/16/2010Outstanding and perfect just as it is. I wouldn't change a thing. Read my entire review and see a picture from a home kitchen at Taking On Magazines: http://bit.ly/Tik112

by courtoni, 4/8/2012Made these for Easter dinner and they were delicious! I used 1% milk but did use heavy cream. I also used 1/2 tsp nutmeg instead of 1/4 and that gave it just a hint of sweetness. Other than those 2 things I wouldn't change a thing. I did definitely cook it a while. Maybe an hour+ and then broiled. I sliced the potatoes by hand and it was fine. Definitely try this recipe!

by jayejaye, 4/1/2012The cream and milk curdled!

by LowieM, 1/1/2012This recipe was simply amazing--I will never do anything differently. The only item I omitted was the butter, and that was because I forgot about it, but it didn't matter. My guests raved about the creamy decadence of the potatoes and couldn't get enough. The dish even received compliments from a lady that doesn't normally eat potatoes. Thank you!

by PraisesForBraises, 12/10/2011All I can say is WOW-WEE. I brought these potatoes to a dinner party and everyone raved about them. The recipe says it serves 10-12, but 4 of us put a tremendous dent in it. There was only one serving for leftovers. Put the baking dish on a sheet pan when it goes into the oven to avoid messy spills. I have, at last, found my go-to recipe for scalloped potatoes!

by liberty91362, 1/9/2010Fantastic taste. I wouldn't change a thing. Tremendous depth of flavor from just a few ingredients. I was surprised how much flavor came from heating the ingredients in the milk and cream. Even though the garlic, thyme and nutmeg are strained out before assembling the dish, it was so flavorful. Perfect texture, too.

by scottmmm, 1/6/2010Great technique. The potatoes come out perfectly cooked, with a bit of creaminess and no runny liquid. The dish lacks a bit of depth in flavor and the the thyme was overpowering. I'd suggest reducing the thyme by ay least half. Maybe throw in a bit of sage or rosemary too. Next time I am going to add a bit of grated parmesan to each layer. I know this moves it into gratin territory, but I think it might improve the flavor.