Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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These Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for holidays and everyday meals. They’re layered with lots of cheese and bacon, and cooked in a cheesy sauce.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

I find myself coming back to this recipe holiday after holiday. It’s easy and loved by everyone who gives it a try.

  • Creamy. Thinly sliced, creamy potatoes baked in the oven are just undeniably delicious.
  • Cheesy. These loaded scalloped potatoes are extra tasty because they’re cooked in a cheesy sauce, and layered between more cheese and bacon.
  • Flavorful. The addition of bacon and chives makes this casserole taste exactly like a loaded baked potato.

Variations on Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon

There are lots of ways to change up this loaded casserole. Try swapping out the bacon and cheddar for ham and Swiss, mushroom and gruyere, garlic and Parmesan, or caramelized onion and blue cheese.

Make it Tex-Mex by adding corn, black beans, diced green chilies, and pepper jack cheese. Or make loaded breakfast scalloped potatoes by adding cooked crumbled breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs!

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover loaded scalloped potatoes covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze scalloped potatoes whole or divided into individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these scalloped potatoes with holiday favorites, like Thanksgiving turkey, Easter ham, or Christmas beef tenderloin. They’re also great with regular weeknight meals, like crockpot chicken breast, smothered pork chops, or creamy garlic shrimp.

How far in advance can you slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes?

You can slice the potatoes and keep them in a covered bowl submerged in water for up to 24 hours.

Can I leave skin on for scalloped potatoes?

Sure! The skin will add a bit of a different texture to the dish, though.

Why does my cheese curdle in scalloped potatoes?

If you put cold milk and cheese in the oven with the potatoes, you might find it curdling from the high direct heat. By heating the dairy beforehand as it’s mixed into a sauce, we can avoid this problem.

Why are my scalloped potatoes so watery?

If your potatoes turn out watery, it’s likely that the potato slices were too wet from being boiled. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding to your casserole.

How do you thicken scalloped potatoes after cooking?

We don’t want runny potatoes, so we’re adding flour into the sauce to thicken it up. This sauce is the secret to the best scalloped potatoes!

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More Loaded Potato Recipes We Love

  • Loaded Smashed Potatoes
  • Loaded Potato Skins
  • Loaded Hash Brown Potato Casserole
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
  • Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

Recipe

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

4.50 from 95 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 40 minutes minutes

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves8 people

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Everyone will love these cheesy loaded scalloped potatoes. One of the best side dishes for any meal, any time.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ cup cooked bacon crumbles (from 8-10 slices)
  • Chopped fresh chives optional, for topping

Recommended Equipment

  • 8×8-inch Baking Pan

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 2 quart baking dish with olive oil spray and set aside.

  • Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

    3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the flour until well combined.

    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, cook for 1 minute, then stir in the milk. Whisk until smooth, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

    2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups milk, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.

    2½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese

  • Spread ¼ cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange ⅓ of the sliced potatoes evenly over the sauce. Top with ⅓ of the sauce to cover the potatoes, then sprinkle with ⅓ cup of the cheddar cheese and ⅓ of the bacon. Continue layering two more times in that order with the remaining potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon and repeat. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

    ½ cup cooked bacon crumbles

  • Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Turn the broiler to high and brown the cheese, if desired.

  • Garnish with chives and serve warm.

    Chopped fresh chives

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

    • Place the potatoes in the water and then bring it to a boil (instead of boiling the water first).
    • Cover the potatoes with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time. Only remove it for the last 5 minutes.
    • Use your broiler to brown the cheese at the end. This is optional, but that quick burst of heat adds flavor and looks beautiful.

    Storage: Store loaded scalloped breakfast potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 434kcal (22%) Carbohydrates: 34g (11%) Protein: 16g (32%) Fat: 26g (40%) Saturated Fat: 14g (88%) Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 67mg (22%) Sodium: 737mg (32%) Potassium: 853mg (24%) Fiber: 4g (17%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 542IU (11%) Vitamin C: 38mg (46%) Calcium: 285mg (29%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

    Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

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    How to Make Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Step by Step

    Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

    Cook the Potatoes: Slice 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

    Make the Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until well combined.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

    Make the Sauce: Slowly whisk 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the roux mixture, cook for 1 minute, then stir in 2 cups of milk and whisk until smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

    Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

    Assemble the Casserole: Spread ¼ cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange ⅓ of the sliced potatoes evenly over the sauce. Top with ⅓ of the sauce to cover the potatoes, then sprinkle with ⅓ cup of the cheddar cheese and ⅙ cup of bacon crumbles. Continue layering two more times in that order with the remaining potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon, and repeat. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

    Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Turn the broiler to high and brown the cheese, if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve warm.

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

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    Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

    FAQs

    How to add more flavor to scalloped potatoes? ›

    Garlic and onion – For savory depth of flavor. Fresh thyme – It adds fresh, unexpected notes to this comforting casserole. In a pinch, dried thyme works too. Cheddar cheese – For tangy, nutty flavor.

    What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes? ›

    The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

    How can I thicken my scalloped potatoes? ›

    Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce as the scalloped potatoes bake. You'll sprinkle flour over each layer of potatoes so the sauce thickens evenly. Butter: A generous amount of butter distributed on each layer of potatoes adds richness.

    Can you slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes the night before? ›

    If raw, once the potato is cut you can store in the refrigerator, covered with water for 12-24 hours. Be sure to keep submerged in water to prevent slices from turning gray or brown.

    Why do my scalloped potatoes taste bland? ›

    My scalloped potatoes are bland

    They are also in need of serious seasoning to ensure deliciousness. Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, but also, season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the sauce, to make sure they are as flavorful as you want them!

    Why are scalloped potatoes called funeral potatoes? ›

    It is called "funeral" potatoes because it is commonly served as a side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners, but it is also served at potlucks, and other social gatherings, sometimes with different names.

    Why are my scalloped potatoes so watery? ›

    Watery scalloped potatoes are not good, and is often caused by using the wrong type of potato. This recipe requires starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds, not waxy potatoes. Another cause is washing or holding the sliced potatoes in water (as outlined in the question above).

    What is the real name for scalloped potatoes? ›

    Potato-based

    Sliced raw potatoes may also be baked in a liquid or sauce that steams them and forms a golden crust on top. In the US, the dish is referred to variously as funeral potatoes, potatoes au gratin, scalloped potatoes, or au gratin potatoes.

    Why are my scalloped potatoes not creamy? ›

    High heat will cause the milk to curdle. Use milk or cream with higher fat content. Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream and full-fat cheeses are necessary. Skim milk and reduced-fat products will not be your friend in this dish.

    How to tell when scalloped potatoes are done? ›

    They will be fully cooked when you can easily pierce them with a sharp knife or mush with the tines of a fork. I usually pull out a slice when I think they are done (typically 15-20 minutes) and let it cool enough to taste.

    Why are my scalloped potatoes always hard? ›

    Starch Will Not Swell–Rock-Hard Scalloped Potatoes

    Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften.

    What happens when you soak potatoes in salt water overnight? ›

    Why use salt water for soaking potatoes? There's moisture naturally found in potatoes, and moisture is drawn to higher concentrations of salt. (This is a process called osmosis.) So, if you put the potatoes in a salt water bath, that will help draw out some of their moisture, resulting in crispier fries.

    Can you eat scalloped potatoes left out overnight? ›

    DON'T let your potato sit out in the open at room temperature for over four hours regardless of whether or not it is wrapped in aluminum foil.

    How can I improve my casserole flavor? ›

    Casseroles can really shine when they achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. Sweet, salty, spicy, and acidic elements should blend well and complement each other. Add ingredients like caramelized onions, olives, or lemon zest to give your casserole a depth of flavor.

    How do you infuse potatoes into flavor? ›

    Boil your potatoes as normal in the infused water until fork tender before draining. Then you can toss them in butter or olive oil, and extra seasonings such as Chinese five spice powder, a squirt of lemon juice (just as you might add to tea), or a drizzle of garlic butter to zhuzh them up with another layer of flavor.

    How to improve Costco scalloped potatoes? ›

    Though the scalloped potatoes have already been cooked in the oven, so just need reheating, an oven will bring them up to temperature more evenly and also create a better 'au gratin' finish to the cheddar cheese layer on top.

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