Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you have a soft spot for creamy, cheesy comfort food, then this Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Layers of thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, fresh rosemary, and loads of freshly grated Parmesan create a heavenly dish that feels both indulgent and elegant. It’s the kind of side that turns any meal into a celebration, perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday feasts, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the fantastic texture and deep flavors of this dish. From the buttery richness to the fresh herbal notes, together they create the perfect harmony in every bite.

• 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor make them ideal for scalloped potatoes.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden crust.
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty flavor and melts beautifully.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that keeps the potatoes perfectly tender.
• 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and highlights the cheese.
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Infuses the cream with fragrant, earthy notes.
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base: Gives an irresistible, savory depth to the sauce.

How to Make Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Next, grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter to make sure the potatoes don’t stick, then sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan on the bottom. This creates a savory base layer that will caramelize slightly, adding extra flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, remaining butter, fresh rosemary sprigs, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and the roasted garlic base. Warm the mixture over low heat just until the butter melts and you see a few wisps of steam—about 5 minutes. Then, stir in all but 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, which will melt into a silky, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to the potato slices.

Step 3: Slice Your Potatoes Thinly

Using a mandoline slicer, slice each Yukon gold potato to about 1/8 inch thickness. This thin slicing is key to tender, evenly cooked potatoes. As you finish, gather the slices into loose stacks and lay them in the baking dish diagonally, fanning them out to fit snugly but without too much overlap. This layering helps the sauce penetrate each slice, making every bite flavorful and luscious.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Cover

Carefully pour your creamy Parmesan sauce over the potato layers, ensuring it seeps between the slices. Then cover the dish tightly with greased aluminum foil—this keeps the moisture in and helps the potatoes steam gently, ensuring they cook through beautifully without drying out.

Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Bake covered for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook slowly in the aromatic sauce. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. This step thickens the sauce around the edges and gets the top bubbling. If you want that irresistible golden crust, pop the dish under the broiler for about 4 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. The result is a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

How to Serve Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan just before serving adds a pop of color and extra flavor contrast. If you want a fresh brightness, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few small rosemary leaves on top can turn the dish into a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, and complements green vegetables such as sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s also a fantastic centerpiece side for holiday meals, balancing salty and creamy flavors alongside your festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering individual servings in small ramekins for intimate portions at dinner parties. You can also add a sprinkling of crispy fried onions or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top before broiling to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy layers beneath.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the scalloped potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead side for busy weeknights or next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze before baking. Prepare and assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure the potatoes cook all the way through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through to keep the creamy texture intact. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the sauce separate and the potatoes soggy.

FAQs

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

While Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor, you can substitute with russet potatoes. Just keep in mind russets may produce a slightly different texture—less creamy and more fluffy—but still delicious.

Is Parmesan the only cheese that works here?

Parmesan is key to this recipe’s signature flavor, but you can mix in other hard cheeses like Gruyère or Asiago for a deeper, nuttier profile. Just be sure to use good-quality fresh cheese for the best melt and taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

This recipe relies heavily on cream and butter for creaminess and flavor. For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or whole milk and use vegan butter alternatives, though the dish won’t be quite as rich or velvety.

How thin should the potato slices be?

Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to slice the potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness. Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the sauce best, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base?

If you can’t find the roasted garlic base, a good substitute is a teaspoon of roasted garlic paste or finely minced garlic sautéed in butter before adding the cream. It won’t be exactly the same but will still add lovely depth.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate every time. The combination of creamy sauce, sharp Parmesan, and tender potatoes is pure magic. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight side, it’s sure to become a treasured recipe in your kitchen.

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