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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!
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!
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.
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.
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 400ยบF 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 sautรฉ 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.
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
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!
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
- Preheat oven to 400 and spray a 7×11 dish with nonstick spray. a 9×13 will also work, it will just be thinner.
- Slice potatoes thin, about 1/8th inch thick. Layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the pan, in overlapping layers.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add in 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 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 spoon.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
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Sherri says
Delicious as is! Served for Easter dinner and even the pickiest eater loved them.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sherri, so happy everyone loved them!!
Rob D says
This was fantastic. I might make a little more sauce next time.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rob, so glad you liked them!!
Rachel says
This recipe was my first time making scalloped potatoes ever and it came out great! I love that it still had the taste of traditional scalloped potatoes but healthier!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so glad you loved them!!
K says
Can I use almond milk due to lactose intolerance? ty
Erin says
Hi, yes, of course! Let me know how your potatoes come out!
Jeanie says
These potatoes turned out so good. Perfectly cooked and not too much sauce. Thank you so much.
Erin says
Hi Jeanie, so happy you loved them! ๐
Alex says
Just what I’ve been looking for, a lighter version of a family favorite!!
Can I use skim or reduced fat milk for this?
Erin says
Hi Alex, yep, feel free to use whatever milk you prefer! Let me know how they come out for you!
Deborah says
Do u cover while cooking
Erin says
Hi Deborah, nope I do not, but you can if you don’t want the top to get crispy.
Jenna Lester says
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 Erinโs dish size guidelines. So tasty!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenna, so glad you loved them and made them your own!!
Maisie says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maisie, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Grace H says
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
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Grace, I am so happy everyone loved them!
Megan B says
Bomb! Absolutely addicting and the perfect addition to any dinner ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so glad you liked them!
Justine says
The BEST scalloped potatoes recipe. I made it for Easter and it was completely finished. I will definitely be making them again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Justine, so glad you loved them!
Erin :) says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, right? Best of both worlds!
Lauren says
I hadnโt 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.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so glad you loved them! Thanks for sharing and great meal!!
Laila says
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 ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laila, so glad everyone loved the potatoes!!
Erin says
I made this for Easter dinner and it was incredible!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so glad you loved them! Thanks for sharing!
Alli says
AMAZING and SO easy!! Iโm sensitive to cows milk so subbed almond milk and white cheddar goat cheese and it was delicious
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alli, so glad you loved it so much and made it your own!!
Kaitlyn says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaitlyn, so happy everyone loved them!! ๐
Alison Coen Searcy says
Hi Erin! Do you think Gruyere would work also? Or a mixture of Gruyere and cheddar?
Erin says
Hi Alison, yes for sure! It is really whatever cheese you prefer! Let me know what you use and how it comes out!
Alison Coen says
Made them with a combo of white cheddar and gruyere. Will let you know how they taste! For reheating today, what temp? ๐ค
Erin says
Hi Alison, sounds great and 350 degrees for 20ish minutes.
Kelly says
So yummy! the cayenne pepper spiced things up the perfect amount!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad you loved them!!
Keely & Heather says
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!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Keely & Heather, I am so happy you enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing!