Creamy Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Savory Layers

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes burst with creamy decadence, turning simple spuds into a gourmet sensation.

Layers of tender potato slices nestle between rich, velvety cheese and fragrant herbs.

Each golden-brown bite promises a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet effortless, this sheet pan marvel transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Professional techniques merge with homestyle comfort in this irresistible side dish.

Crispy edges mingle with silky interiors, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will steal the spotlight at any meal.

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering creation that guarantees applause from everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 428 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes: What You’ll Need

• Heavy Cream: Choose organic, full-fat cream for richer, more luxurious flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, European-style butter for superior spreading and greasing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated, aged Parmesan with deep, nutty undertones.
• Gruyere Cheese: Select authentic Swiss Gruyere for complex, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Potatoes: Select starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for optimal creamy consistency.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves with smooth, unblemished skin for maximum flavor intensity.
• Fresh Thyme: Choose vibrant green sprigs with robust, aromatic leaves.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground whole peppercorns provide superior, zesty kick.

• Mandoline or Sharp Vegetable Slicer: Ensure blade is sharp for precise, uniform potato slices.
• Sheet Pan: Select heavy-duty, non-reactive metal pan for even heat distribution.
• Aluminum Foil: Use high-quality, non-stick variety for effective coverage.
• Small Saucepan: Choose heavy-bottomed pan for consistent cream sauce preparation.

Tools for Cooking Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Oven: Preheated to 450°F for perfect potato gratin cooking.
• Sheet Pan (18-by-13-inch): Large surface for even potato layering and baking.
• Mandoline or Sharp Vegetable Slicer: Creates uniform 1/8-inch potato slices for consistent texture.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for gently simmering cream sauce with herbs and garlic.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers potatoes during initial baking to retain moisture.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred Parmesan and Gruyere for a deliciously melty topping.
• Butter Brush or Spatula: Ensures even greasing of the sheet pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise seasoning with salt and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Optional for trimming potato edges or additional prep work.

Easy Instructions for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Fire Up the Oven and Prepare Pan

Crank the oven to a scorching 450°F. Glide butter across an expansive sheet pan, making sure every inch gets a silky coating to prevent any potato rebellion.

• Whip Up a Creamy Flavor Explosion

Toss garlic, thyme, and cream into a saucepan. Let the ingredients dance together over gentle heat until they bubble with anticipation, then pull off the stove.

• Transform Potatoes into Culinary Art

Slice potatoes with ninja-like precision – thin and uniform. Think delicate whispers of potato, each slice a canvas for flavor.

• Build a Potato Masterpiece

Create a stunning landscape of potato layers across the pan. Sprinkle salt and Parmesan like you’re casting a delicious spell. Each layer tells a tasty story.

• Unleash the Cream Magic

Drench the potato layers with your dreamy cream sauce. Wrap the pan in foil like a cozy blanket and bake until potatoes surrender their crunchiness.

• Crown with Cheesy Brilliance

Strip away the foil and shower the potatoes with a blizzard of Gruyere and Parmesan. Bake until the top turns into a golden, crispy wonderland. Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to whisper their secrets before you dive in.

Tweaks and Tips for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

• Customize Potato Perfection: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that match your meal.
• Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline with a safety guard to achieve uniformly thin potato slices, ensuring consistent texture and preventing uneven cooking throughout the dish.
• Herb-Infused Twist: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or sage for a different aromatic dimension that complements the creamy potato layers and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato gratin up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy top and warm, creamy interior.

Serving Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes the Right Way

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin to create a satisfying and complete meal that balances the creamy potato texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, or fresh thyme over the top to add a bright, aromatic touch that cuts through the richness and elevates the visual appeal.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Add a light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creamy potatoes and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's decadent flavors.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the potatoes with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the meal's overall dining experience.

Storing Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Efficiently

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Optimize Advance Prep: Slice potatoes and make cream sauce up to 24 hours before baking, storing separately in sealed containers inside the refrigerator to maintain freshness and save time during meal preparation.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover potato gratin in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Always cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve the delicious creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold potato gratin by warming in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil initially to prevent excessive browning, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy top layer.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap completely cooled potato gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in oven, adding extra cheese on top to refresh its delectable appeal.

Creamy Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes provide a creamy, indulgent side dish perfect for family gatherings. Rich layers of sliced potatoes and cheese create a comforting classic you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ lbs (1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed (about 8)
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded Gruyere (4 ½ oz)
• ⅓ cup (33 g) grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing pan)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F and butter an 18-by-13-inch baking sheet thoroughly, creating a non-stick surface for the potato layers.
2. Cream Infusion: Combine heavy cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan. Warm until gently simmering, then remove from heat to preserve the delicate herbal essence.
3. Potato Slicing: Using a mandoline, slice potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch translucent rounds, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and elegant presentation.
4. Layering and Seasoning: Create the first potato layer across the baking sheet, generously seasoning with salt and sprinkling half the Parmesan cheese. Arrange subsequent potato slices, repeating the seasoning process to build depth of flavor.
5. Cream Application: Gently pour the warm cream mixture over the potato layers, ensuring complete and even coverage to infuse each slice with rich, aromatic essence.
6. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 20 minutes until potatoes reach perfect tenderness. Remove foil, sprinkle Gruyere and remaining Parmesan cheese, then return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top becomes a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Notes

• Slice Carefully: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/8-inch potato slices, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
• Temperature Matters: Start with a high 450°F oven to achieve crispy edges and creamy interior, creating perfect scalloped potato layers.
• Cream Technique: Gently warm cream with garlic and thyme before pouring to infuse maximum flavor into potato layers without scorching.
• Cheese Coverage: Distribute Parmesan and Gruyere strategically between layers and on top for rich, golden-brown, melted cheese perfection.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 428
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg