Easy Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe That’ll Wow Everyone

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes represent a creamy, indulgent culinary masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary side dish.

Luxurious dairy and carefully selected seasonings elevate these potatoes beyond ordinary preparations.

Classic comfort meets gourmet technique in this sheet pan marvel.

Rich and decadent, the recipe balances crispy edges with silky interior textures.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate its straightforward yet sophisticated approach.

Each golden-brown layer promises robust flavor and satisfying warmth.

You’ll want to make this show-stopping side dish that impresses without complicated steps:

Why Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes Are a Must

• Creamy Comfort Classic: Indulge in a luxurious potato dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, decadent side that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Effortless Gourmet Technique: Discover how professional-level cooking can be surprisingly simple with Ina Garten's foolproof method of layering and baking potatoes to perfection.
• Cheesy Texture Explosion: Experience a delightful contrast between ultra-creamy potato layers and a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust that delivers maximum flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.

Basic Ingredients for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy, waxy potatoes work best for a creamy and tender scalloped dish. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe.

Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base that creates the creamy texture and adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that provides a crispy golden crust and intense flavor.

Gruyere Cheese: Nutty and melty cheese that adds complexity and richness to the potato layers.

Aromatics and Herbs:

Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic base to the cream mixture.

Thyme: Earthy and fragrant herb that complements the creamy potato dish with subtle herbal notes.

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

Unsalted Butter: Used for greasing the baking pan and preventing sticking.

Making Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease an 18-by-13-inch sheet pan with unsalted butter, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Finely chopped thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Slice Potatoes Perfectly

Use a mandoline or sharp vegetable slicer to cut potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Build Delicious Potato Layers

Arrange the first layer of potato slices across the greased sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining potato slices on top, seasoning with another light sprinkle of salt.

Step 5: Add Cream and Initial Baking

Pour the hot cream sauce evenly over the potato layers. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes become tender.

Step 6: Create Golden Crispy Topping

• Gruyere cheese
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden brown and develops a crispy, irresistible crust. Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld together.

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice with Precision: Grab a mandoline to create paper-thin potato slices that guarantee uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
• Layer with Flavor Intention: Sprinkle salt between potato layers to ensure every single bite delivers consistent, mouth-watering seasoning.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Distribute Parmesan strategically between layers for deep, complex flavor that transforms ordinary potatoes into extraordinary comfort food.
• Temperature Dance: Begin with high heat to jumpstart potato cooking, then lower temperature to allow cheese to melt into golden perfection.
• Final Crisp Technique: Remove foil during last baking stage, letting Gruyere and Parmesan create a stunning, crunchy golden-brown crust that will make everyone swoon.

Proper Storage for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract air completely from storage container using a vacuum sealer. Place cooled scalloped potatoes in heavy-duty vacuum bags, press out excess air, and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality.
• Portion Separation Method: Divide remaining potatoes into individual serving sizes before storing. Use small freezer-safe glass containers or silicone freezer trays, allowing easy reheating of precise portions without thawing entire dish.
• Layer Protection Method: Create protective barrier between potato layers when refrigerating. Place parchment paper between stacked portions to prevent sticking, preserve texture, and maintain moisture levels during storage.

Tasty Twists on Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Herb Fusion Potatoes: Swap thyme with a blend of rosemary, sage, and chives for a more complex herbal profile that elevates the classic scalloped potato recipe.
• Spicy Cheese Upgrade: Mix in some diced jalapeños and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed version of the original dish.
• Mediterranean-Style Potatoes: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to give the potatoes a Greek-inspired Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Bacon and Cheddar Remix: Fold in crispy bacon bits and replace Gruyere with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky alternative that adds robust depth to the original recipe.

Wrap-Up on Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Comfort meets culinary artistry in Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes, a dish that whispers French countryside elegance.

Garlic-infused cream bathes delicate potato layers, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors.

Classic ingredients dance together, transforming simple components into an extraordinary experience.

Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses melt into golden perfection, promising a luxurious side dish.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these potatoes elevate any meal with their creamy richness.

Friends and family will savor each delectable bite, eager to celebrate this irresistible recipe – so go ahead, share this culinary gem, spark conversations, and inspire kitchen adventures that connect hearts through delicious moments.

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes elevate comfort cuisine with creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich cheese. Guests will savor each indulgent bite of this classic French-inspired side dish that promises warm, satisfying flavor in every golden, cheesy spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ pounds (1 kilogram) medium Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed (about 8)
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded Gruyere (4 ½ ounces)

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Ingredient:

• ⅓ cup (33 grams) grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing pan)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to 450°F (232°C) and delicately coat an 18-by-13-inch (45.7-by-33-centimeter) baking sheet with a whisper of unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a compact saucepan, harmonize heavy cream, finely minced garlic, delicately chopped fresh thyme, a half teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Gently warm the mixture until it reaches a soft simmer, then immediately remove from heat.
3. Utilizing a mandoline or precision vegetable slicer, transform potatoes into translucent rounds approximately 1/8-inch (0.3-centimeter) thick, maintaining consistent delicate thickness.
4. Construct the first potato layer across the prepared baking sheet, generously seasoning with salt and sprinkling half the grated Parmesan cheese. Meticulously arrange the remaining potato slices atop the initial layer, again seasoning with salt.
5. Carefully cascade the warm cream mixture evenly across the potato landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor distribution.
6. Drape aluminum foil over the pan, protecting the delicate potatoes during initial baking. Roast for approximately 20 minutes until potatoes reach perfect tenderness.
7. Remove foil, lavishly scatter Gruyere and remaining Parmesan across the surface. Return to oven, allowing the top to transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece during an additional 15 to 20 minutes of uncovered baking.

Notes

• Creamy potatoes become a show-stopping side dish when layered with aromatic herbs and luxurious cheeses.
• Mandoline slicing guarantees razor-thin, uniform potato layers that cook perfectly and look professionally prepared.
• Mixing Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses creates a complex, golden crust with irresistible nutty undertones.
• Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce stabilize and makes serving smooth and elegant.
• Refrigerating the assembled casserole before baking offers a convenient make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg