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Home By Meal

Lightened Scalloped Potatoes

★★★★★ 13 Reviews Recipe Print
gf nf vg
By: Erin3/22/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Lightened Scalloped Potatoes
Lightened Scalloped Potatoes

This week, try Lightened Scalloped Potatoes – a hearty dish filled with garlic, onion, thyme, and savory cheesy flavors. With 12 servings, it’s perfect for a crowd!

lightened scalloped potatoes

The best scalloped potatoes recipe of all time

I’m a huge fan of hearty dishes, as you can probably tell if you’ve browsed through my blog. I mean, Pizza Casserole or Pumpkin Chili, anyone? It didn’t take long for me to realize that a good ol’ classic cheesy potato recipe was missing!

When I discovered this, I knew I had the perfect recipe to share: lightened scalloped potatoes. This dish is the best comfort meal, as it’s filled with rich potato slices, cheesy deliciousness, and satisfying flavors. It makes a bunch (12) servings, so it’s perfect for feeding to a crowd!

lightened scalloped potatoes

Ingredients in lightened scalloped potatoes

This recipe comes together with a blend of potatoes, onion, garlic, and loads of other flavorful ingredients. When all is said and done you’ll have a heaping dish of the most delicious scalloped potatoes you’ve ever tried!

  • Yukon gold potatoes: First up, we’ll start with about 3 pounds of yukon gold potatoes. If you prefer red, you can also use them.
  • Butter: Next, we’ll use 1 tbsp of butter.
  • Yellow onion: Dice up 1/2 of yellow onion for flavor (you can use white if preferred).
  • Garlic: As for the garlic, you’ll need 3 cloves, minced.
  • Thyme: Include 1 tbsp of fresh thyme for a delicious taste.
  • Salt & Pepper: Next, add 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
  • Cayenne: Include a pinch of cayenne for a slight (but not overpowering) spice.
  • Milk: 1 cup of milk will be used to get the correct texture.
  • Arrowroot powder: Include 1 tbsp of arrowroot powder, or 1/2 tsp of cornstarch.
  • Cheese: Finally, set aside 1 cup of shredded white cheddar for that perfect cheesy taste.
making scalloped potatoes

Tools needed to make cheesy scalloped potatoes

Ready to dive in to creating this mouth watering recipe? Below is a list with all of the tools needed to make it happen. If you have a mandolin or vegetable slicer, I recommend using it to achieve the desired thickness for the potato slices (1/8 inch).

  • Nonstick spray
  • Baking dish
  • Cutting board
  • Chopping knife
  • Sauce pan
  • Spatula or stirring utensil
  • Whisk
  • Spoon

For measuring, you will need the following sizes: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1 cup.

making scalloped potatoes
making scalloped potatoes

How to make lightened scalloped potatoes

Lightened scalloped potatoes require about 20 minutes of prep time followed by 40 minutes of cooking time. The end result produces 12 heaping, satisfying servings perfect for serving up to your family or friends (or saving for yourself, because with a flavor this good, you’ll be tempted to).

Begin by preheating the oven to 400ºF and spraying a 7×11 dish with nonstick spray.

Thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thick slices. Layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the pan, in overlapping layers.

Add butter to a sauce pan set over medium high heat. Once melted, add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne and stir until well combined.

Whisk in the milk and arrowroot powder and bring to a slow simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mixture begins to thicken, turn off the heat.

Next, add 1/3 of the cheddar cheese to the milk and stir to melt.

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first half of the potatoes and spread out with a spoon.

Add the rest of the potatoes on top in a stacked pattern. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce on top of the potatoes, and spread evenly with a spoon.

Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

lightened scalloped potatoes

Recipe Tips

The perfect scalloped potatoes do exist, and these tips will help you achieve it!

Put the slices into water
As you’re slicing the potatoes, slip them into a bowl of water. This helps to remove the excess starch and can makes for crispier slices.

Using a different sized dish
Though I recommend a 7×14 dish, you can also use a 9×13, or whatever size you have handy. The only difference will be in the thickness of the final recipe. Larger pan = thinner potato mixture.

Pre-baking scalloped potatoes
The beauty in this dish is that you can actually prep it ahead of time! Bake as directed, and let cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven for about 30-35 minutes.

Storing leftovers
Extra lightly scalloped potatoes can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to 3 days. Keep them in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Need some more potato heartiness in your life? Try these recipes for some potato-rich meals filled with your favorite ingredients.

  • Baked Potato Cauliflower Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Easy Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
  • Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
  • Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins
lightened scalloped potatoes
★★★★★ 5 from 13 reviews

Lightened Scalloped Potatoes

This week, try Lightened Scalloped Potatoes – a hearty dish filled with garlic, onion, thyme, and savory cheesy flavors. With 12 servings, it’s perfect for a crowd!

Prep: 20Cook: 40Total: 1 hour
Yield 12 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 3 lb yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • pinch cayenne
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or 1/2 tbsp cornstarch)
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 and spray a 7×11 dish with nonstick spray. a 9×13 will also work, it will just be thinner.
  2. Slice potatoes thin, about 1/8th inch thick. Layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the pan, in overlapping layers.
  3. In a sauce pan, turn on medium high heat and add butter. Once melted, add in onion and saute for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add in garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne and stir until combined well.
  4. Whisk in milk and arrowroot powder, and bring to low simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should begin to thicken. Turn off heat.
  5. Add in 1/3 of the cheddar cheese to the milk and stir to melt.
  6. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first half of the potatoes and spread out with spoon.
  7. Add the rest of the potatoes on top in a stacked pattern. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce on top of the potatoes, and spread evenly with spoon.
  8. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Author: ErinCategory: sides, holiday, gluten-free, dinnerMethod: ovenCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
lightened scalloped potatoes

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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chocolate chip cookies
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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Deborah says

    Posted on 4/17 at 4:01 pm

    Do u cover while cooking

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/19 at 11:29 am

      Hi Deborah, nope I do not, but you can if you don’t want the top to get crispy.

      Reply
  2. Jenna Lester says

    Posted on 10/10 at 9:12 pm

    These are bomb! I subbed almond milk for regular milk and a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for cheddar (just what I had on hand). I used an 8×8 pan and made 3 layers, but ultimately I was not able to use all of the potato slices. I would recommend sticking to Erin’s dish size guidelines. So tasty!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/11 at 1:13 pm

      Hi Jenna, so glad you loved them and made them your own!!

      Reply
  3. Maisie says

    Posted on 6/14 at 10:42 am

    Being gluten free can definitely be a hassle when its your turn to bring a dish to share, but Erin makes it so easy with this recipe! My family absolutely loved it and ate the whole pan by the end of our Easter celebration!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:09 pm

      Hi Maisie, so glad you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  4. Grace H says

    Posted on 4/26 at 1:39 pm

    I had never made scalloped potatoes before so I was nervous about how they’d come out but they were SO good! Made them for Easter with my family and they were definitely a fan favorite

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Grace, I am so happy everyone loved them!

      Reply
  5. Megan B says

    Posted on 4/15 at 6:24 pm

    Bomb! Absolutely addicting and the perfect addition to any dinner 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/16 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Megan, so glad you liked them!

      Reply
  6. Justine says

    Posted on 4/12 at 5:09 pm

    The BEST scalloped potatoes recipe. I made it for Easter and it was completely finished. I will definitely be making them again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 9:24 pm

      Hi Justine, so glad you loved them!

      Reply
  7. Erin :) says

    Posted on 4/12 at 1:04 pm

    Love that this is a comfort food, but not quite as calorie-dense as most others. Plus, an extra perk is that it’s gluten free!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Erin, right? Best of both worlds!

      Reply
  8. Lauren says

    Posted on 4/10 at 7:06 pm

    I hadn’t had scalloped potatoes in SO long and once I saw Erin posts these, I had to make them. They did not disappoint. I mixed the arrowroot with almond milk before pouring mixing with the onions and herbs and they came out so creamy. Paired them with grilled pork chops and a salad and it was perfect. Will definitely make again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/11 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Lauren, so glad you loved them! Thanks for sharing and great meal!!

      Reply
  9. Laila says

    Posted on 4/4 at 9:16 pm

    Made this for family Easter dinner and it was a hit! My little siblings loved it (and so did the adults hahaha). Definitely my new go-to side dish for future gatherings. Thanks for this delicious & wonderfully easy recipe 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/5 at 7:22 am

      Hi Laila, so glad everyone loved the potatoes!!

      Reply
  10. Erin says

    Posted on 4/4 at 7:09 pm

    I made this for Easter dinner and it was incredible!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/5 at 7:22 am

      Hi Erin, so glad you loved them! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  11. Alli says

    Posted on 4/4 at 6:16 pm

    AMAZING and SO easy!! I’m sensitive to cows milk so subbed almond milk and white cheddar goat cheese and it was delicious

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/5 at 7:19 am

      Hi Alli, so glad you loved it so much and made it your own!!

      Reply
  12. Kaitlyn says

    Posted on 4/3 at 7:23 pm

    I made this tonight for my in laws. Everyone loved it! Will def be making again. So easy, light and delicious! Thank you! Going to be my go to side dish. Excited to have leftovers for the week!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/4 at 8:10 am

      Hi Kaitlyn, so happy everyone loved them!! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Alison Coen Searcy says

    Posted on 4/1 at 11:45 am

    Hi Erin! Do you think Gruyere would work also? Or a mixture of Gruyere and cheddar?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/1 at 6:03 pm

      Hi Alison, yes for sure! It is really whatever cheese you prefer! Let me know what you use and how it comes out!

      Reply
      • Alison Coen says

        Posted on 4/4 at 9:44 am

        Made them with a combo of white cheddar and gruyere. Will let you know how they taste! For reheating today, what temp? 🤔

      • Erin says

        Posted on 4/5 at 8:50 pm

        Hi Alison, sounds great and 350 degrees for 20ish minutes.

  14. Kelly says

    Posted on 3/31 at 1:22 am

    So yummy! the cayenne pepper spiced things up the perfect amount!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/1 at 8:42 am

      Hi Kelly, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  15. Keely & Heather says

    Posted on 3/24 at 9:30 am

    These were delicious! My friend and I saw your post, noticed we had the ingredients and made them right away even though we had meal prepped for the week. So tasty!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/24 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Keely & Heather, I am so happy you enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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