Name: Weeknight Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 27 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that doesn’t demand hours in the oven, you’re in for a treat with this Weeknight Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a game-changer, bringing tender, flavorful potatoes layered in rich cream and a hint of garlic, all topped with golden Parmesan—all ready in about 40 minutes. This recipe is your go-to for a quick yet indulgent side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Trust me, once you try this, scalloped potatoes will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are four large brown potatoes in the center, with a small pile of grated white cheese in a clear glass bowl below them. To the left, there are two glass measuring cups, one filled with melted butter and the other with milk. To the right of the potatoes, there are two peeled garlic cloves and a small cube of butter. On the far right side, three measuring spoons with wooden handles hold salt, black pepper, and a reddish-brown spice, all neatly aligned. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients come together in a harmonious blend, creating the perfect texture and flavor in your scalloped potatoes. Each element plays an important role, from the hearty Russet potatoes to the nutty Parmesan that crowns the dish with a crispy, savory finish.

2 pounds Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature ensures creamy, tender slices that hold their shape well during cooking.
2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic flavor as it toasts.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the creamy sauce with fragrant, savory notes.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture this dish is known for.
1 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery warmth without overpowering the dish.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch adds surprising warmth and complexity to the creamy sauce.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Tops the casserole with a deliciously crisp, savory crust.

How to Make Weeknight Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

First, preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃) so it’s ready to go when you finish simmering. Then, peel your Russet potatoes and slice them very thin—about 1/8-inch thick works best. Using a mandoline or food processor can speed this step up and help ensure even cooking. These thin slices are key to achieving tender layers that melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Garlic Base

In a medium-sized Dutch oven, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and let it toast gently for about 60 seconds—this step wakes up the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. This fragrant simmering sauce will soak into your potatoes, creating that indulgent scalloped texture.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Submerge your potato slices in the cream and broth mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes, or until they’re fork tender. This method means you get all the creaminess without the traditional long bake time.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Bake

Once the potatoes have softened, you have two options: leave them in the Dutch oven or transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 8×8 inch pan or similar casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the fresh Parmesan over the top—this will crisp up beautifully during baking. Pop your casserole into the oven uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is a rich golden brown.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Timing is everything—let your scalloped potatoes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the sauce thicken up slightly, making every forkful perfectly creamy and luscious.

How to Serve Weeknight Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy potato gratin, showing about three layers of thinly sliced potatoes covered in a melted, golden cheese crust on top. The cheese layer is bubbly with some browned spots, giving a slightly crispy look, and the creamy sauce peeks between the overlapping potato slices. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon to the upper right and some green leaves placed near the bottom corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of green to your plate. For extra indulgence, a light drizzle of truffle oil or a few shavings of extra Parmesan can elevate this simple side into something special.

Side Dishes

Weeknight scalloped potatoes pair brilliantly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad for balance. Their creamy, cheesy nature makes them a perfect companion to protein-rich mains, turning any meal into an occasion without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins with a crispy Parmesan top to impress guests. You can also layer in caramelized onions or chopped fresh herbs between the potato layers for an added surprise bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover scalloped potatoes to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing, and leave some room at the top as the potatoes may expand slightly.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to maintain that creamy texture and crisp top. Microwaving is quicker but can make the sauce separate, so the oven is best for preserving the dish’s signature creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content and tender texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly creamier, buttery flavor. Just be mindful that waxy potatoes won’t soften as well, which may alter the dish’s texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll still get a rich and savory base that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover the casserole, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time since the dish will be cold from the fridge.

Why is nutmeg added to scalloped potatoes?

A tiny pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth to creamy dishes like scalloped potatoes. It’s subtle but elevates the flavor, making the sauce taste more complex and inviting.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

About 1/8-inch thick slices work best—they cook evenly and become tender without falling apart. Using a mandoline slicer makes achieving uniform slices much easier and speeds up the prep process.

Final Thoughts

This Weeknight Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and indulgence that will quickly become a favorite comfort food in your home. Its creamy, garlicky layers topped with golden Parmesan are the kind of dish that feels special yet fits right into a busy weeknight schedule. Give it a try—you won’t believe you can enjoy such a rich and hearty casserole without spending hours in the kitchen!