Creamy, comforting, and generously layered with flavor, these loaded scalloped potatoes are the ultimate side dish for family dinners or special gatherings. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, cheesy sauce and finished with classic loaded-style toppings for a dish that feels both cozy and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These loaded scalloped potatoes are everything you want in a comforting bake. They are creamy without being heavy, full of flavor, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. The dish can be made ahead, feeds a crowd, and pairs beautifully with many main courses. It is also customizable, so you can adjust the toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes:

• 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3–4 mm thick)

Cream Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup cooking cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Cheese and Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chopped turkey beef or chicken sausage, cooked
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until smooth.
3. Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove from heat.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Add the remaining potatoes, followed by the rest of the sauce and cheeses.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
10. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8 people
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 70 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian by skipping the sausage and adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
• Use a blend of cheeses such as gouda or mild parmesan for a deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for gentle heat.
• Replace whole milk with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Include steamed broccoli or spinach between the potato layers for added vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 170°C (325°F) for about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make loaded scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like russet or all-purpose potatoes work best because they become tender and absorb the sauce well.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and change texture when thawed.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

Insert a knife into the center of the dish. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.

Can I use only one type of cheese?

Yes, using only cheddar or mozzarella will still give great results, though a mix adds more depth.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Can I reduce the creaminess?

You can substitute part of the cream with milk or use evaporated milk for a lighter texture.

Why is my sauce too thick?

The sauce may thicken more as it cools. Whisk in a small amount of warm milk to loosen it if needed.

Can I add herbs?

Fresh thyme, parsley, or chives work very well and add freshness to the dish.

What can I serve with loaded scalloped potatoes?

They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Loaded scalloped potatoes are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings rich flavor and creamy texture to any table. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, this recipe is easy to adapt and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

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