What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin?

The main difference is cheese . Traditional scalloped potatoes are made with a creamy sauce—typically milk or cream—but no cheese in the layers or sauce. Au gratin potatoes , on the other hand, are made with cheese layered between the potatoes and usually feature a cheesy topping that's browned in the oven. The texture of au gratin is slightly firmer with a crisp crust, while scalloped potatoes are creamier and more rustic.

Should you boil potatoes before making scalloped potatoes?

It depends on your baking method and how much time you have. You don't have to boil potatoes before baking scalloped potatoes. Most recipes use thinly sliced raw potatoes and cook them directly in the oven with the sauce. However, parboiling for 5–7 minutes can help shorten the baking time and ensure tenderness if you’re using thick slices or want to be extra sure they’re fully cooked.

What is the one trick Michael Symon used to make perfect scalloped potatoes?

Michael Symon’s game-changing trick is to add grated cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar directly into the sauce , along with a touch of Dijon mustard . This enhances the flavor and adds a silky, cheesy richness that makes the dish stand out. He also layers his scalloped potatoes with seasoning and sauce between each layer for even flavor throughout.

Scalloped Potatoes: The Best Creamy Recipe (2025)

Description

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes layered to perfection and baked until golden and bubbly—comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Yukon gold or russet potatoes work great. For extra flavor, try adding caramelized onions or cooked bacon between layers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, baked side dish, comfort food