Scalloped Potatoese Recipe
This classic Scalloped Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with butter, fresh thyme, garlic, and creamy Gruyere cheese, completed with crispy bacon and rich heavy cream. Baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, this comforting dish is perfect as a decadent side for any special occasion or hearty meal.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Potatoes & Butter
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 ½ cups (270 g / 10 ounces) Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 ½ cups (298 g) heavy whipping cream
Meat
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
- Slice Potatoes: Use a mandolin slicer to cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform ⅛-inch thick slices, carefully keeping the shape intact for an even bake.
- Prepare Butter Layer: Place the thinly sliced butter into the bottom of a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, evenly layering it as the base for the potatoes.
- Arrange Potatoes: Carefully layer the sliced potatoes over the butter in the skillet, stacking them in a way that preserves their shape as much as possible.
- Add Thyme: Strip leaves from 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and sprinkle them evenly over the potato layers, reserving the remaining thyme for garnish after baking.
- Season and Add Cheese & Bacon: Sprinkle the minced garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, 2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese (reserving ½ cup), and chopped cooked bacon evenly over the potatoes to build layers of flavor.
- Pour Cream: Evenly pour the heavy whipping cream over the entire dish to add creaminess and help the potatoes cook tenderly.
- Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the skillet with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Gruyere cheese on top, and return the skillet to the oven.
- Bake Until Tender and Golden: Continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with the reserved thyme leaves for freshness, and serve immediately as a rich, comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- Try to keep potato slices intact to maintain the classic scalloped potato texture and appearance.
- Gruyere cheese provides a nutty, creamy flavor that melts beautifully—replace with a similar melting cheese if unavailable.
- Cooking the bacon ahead of time ensures it crisps nicely and distributes flavor evenly.
- Covering with foil during the first bake helps cook the potatoes through without drying out.
- Finishing uncovered creates a golden, slightly crispy top layer.
- Use heavy cream for the best rich and creamy texture in this dish.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently in the oven to retain creaminess.
Keywords: Scalloped Potatoes, Potato Casserole, Gruyere Potatoes, Creamy Potatoes, Thanksgiving Side Dish, Comfort Food