Can I prepare loaded scalloped potatoes ahead of time and still keep them creamy?

Yes, you can prepare loaded scalloped potatoes in advance. Assemble the casserole but only bake it covered for the first hour. Then let it cool completely with foil on, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. Before serving, remove it from the fridge about an hour early, then bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This method keeps the dish creamy without drying out.

What type of potatoes should I use for the best loaded scalloped potatoes?

Russet and Yukon gold potatoes work best. Yukon golds have a naturally buttery flavor and thin skins, so peeling isn’t always necessary. Thinly slicing either variety helps them cook evenly and quickly, resulting in tender, creamy layers that soak up the cheese and sauce.

How can I add flavor to loaded scalloped potatoes without using bacon?

If you prefer to skip bacon, caramelized onions are a great way to add savory, sweet depth. To caramelize, cook thinly sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until golden brown. You can also add garlic or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

What’s the best method to bake loaded scalloped potatoes evenly?

Bake covered with foil at 350°F for one hour to allow the potatoes to steam and become tender. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to brown the cheese on top. This two-step process ensures the potatoes cook thoroughly without drying out.

Can I mix different cheeses in loaded scalloped potatoes, and which types work well together?

Mixing cheeses is a great way to enhance flavor and creaminess. Sharp cheddar adds boldness, while Gruyere provides nuttiness and melts smoothly. Other good options include mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for a salty kick, or Monterey Jack for mild creaminess. Combining two or three cheeses can create a richer taste and texture.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon Cheese and Creamy Sauce

Name: Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for caramelizing the onions and adding a smooth base; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced to provide a sweet, caramelized depth; 12 ounces (about 340 grams) cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, crispy element; 4 tablespoons (about 57 grams) unsalted butter to create the rich roux; 4 tablespoons (about 30 grams) all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce; 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk to form the creamy roux sauce; 3 pounds (approximately 1.36 kg) thinly sliced potatoes, such as Yukon gold or russet as the hearty base; 8 ounces (227 grams) cheese, preferably a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere for gooey, melted layers; Salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors

Description

🥔 Indulge in rich, creamy layers of loaded scalloped potatoes combined with crispy bacon and melted cheese for a satisfying side dish.
🧀 This comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners and special gatherings, bringing warmth and hearty flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for caramelizing the onions and adding a smooth base

2 medium onions, thinly sliced to provide a sweet, caramelized depth

12 ounces (about 340 grams) cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, crispy element

4 tablespoons (about 57 grams) unsalted butter to create the rich roux

4 tablespoons (about 30 grams) all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce

3 cups (720 ml) whole milk to form the creamy roux sauce

3 pounds (approximately 1.36 kg) thinly sliced potatoes, such as Yukon gold or russet as the hearty base

8 ounces (227 grams) cheese, preferably a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere for gooey, melted layers

Salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your ingredients ready, like thinly slicing the potatoes and onions. This setup helps everything come together smoothly and ensures even cooking.

2-Next, caramelize the onions in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until they turn golden and sweet. At the same time, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and then crumble it. For the sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan, stir in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux, and gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk until it thickens slightly.

3-Now, assemble the dish in a baking pan by layering half the sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, cheese, and sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly.

4-Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle. For dietary tweaks, consider using plant-based options in the sauce if needed. This method, which takes about 20 minutes to prep and 1 hour 30 minutes to cook, makes the potatoes creamy and full of flavor every time.

Notes

🧅 Caramelizing onions adds depth and sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
🥓 Use crispy bacon for texture contrast in the dish.
🧀 Combining sharp cheddar with Gruyere provides rich, complex cheese flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Loaded Scalloped Potatoes, Cheese and Bacon Potatoes, Creamy Potato Side, Comfort Food