Best Scalloped Potatoes for an Awesome Easter Dinner

Easter dinner makes you feel all warm inside, it’s that time when family and friends come around the table. Everybody brings something tasty but one dish that always ends up stealing the show is scalloped potatoes. They’re creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, plus they just feel like a big comfy hug on your plate.

In this article we’ll dive into what scalloped potatoes really are and a little bit about how they got started. You’ll see why they work so well at Easter, especially when you pair them with ham or lamb. Then you’ll get a step-by-step recipe so your potatoes turn out just right—creamy and dreamy, every single time.

We’ll even toss in some fun twists you can try, whether you like garlic, onions, or some veggies for color. Plus we’ve got ideas for what drinks and sides go great with these potatoes. And if you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Let’s jump in and make your Easter dinner easy and delicious!

What Are Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes, also called au gratin potatoes, is a simple comfort food where you thinly slice potatoes and layer them with cream, cheese, and seasonings then bake it all. The cream and cheese melt together as it bakes and give you a rich, gooey dish. People say they go back to 19th-century England, but now they’re pretty much everywhere, especially in the US at holidays.

Even though the classic way uses heavy cream and lots of cheese, you can totally mix it up. Some folks add garlic, onions, or fresh herbs to boost the taste. Others sneak in veggies like broccoli or asparagus to add nutrition and color. The cool part is you can change it however you want. And if you want to keep it lighter, swap in lower-fat dairy or use more veggies so it’s not just carbs.

Why Scalloped Potatoes Are Perfect for Easter

Potatoes have been a staple in holiday meals for ages because they’re cheap, filling, and remind us of family dinners. At Easter we celebrate new life and old traditions, so these potatoes fit right in. They’re hearty and comforting and they match perfectly with classics like ham and lamb.

Another reason scalloped potatoes rock at Easter is they’re super flexible. You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or skip any meat bits to keep it vegetarian. This way everyone at the table can have some. And the creamy, cheesy layers go awesome with the sweet ham or the savory lamb.

Also, you can make them ahead of time so you’re not stuck cooking all day. Just pop them in the oven when guests arrive, and boom—you’ve got more time to hang out instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Why Scalloped Potatoes Are Perfect for Easter

Spring’s all about fresh starts and potatoes kinda sum that up with their earthy taste and humble roots. When families meet up for Easter you want something that feels homey and special at the same time. Scalloped potatoes check both boxes by being warm, cheesy, and fancy enough for a big dinner.

You can’t go wrong with the mix of creamy potatoes beside juicy ham or a spiced leg of lamb. They soak up flavors and bring everyone back for seconds. And like we said, they’re totally adaptable—swap cheeses, add herbs, go crazy with spice—it’s your call.

Best part? You can put it together earlier in the day and just bake it when you’re ready. That means more laughs and less stress, which is exactly what holiday feasts are about.

Recipe for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

• 3 lbs potatos (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and thin slicd)
• 4 tablespoons buttr
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, chedar, or mix)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)

Directions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the potatos then soak them in cold water so they dont brown. Melt 2 tablespoon of buttr in a skillet over medium heat, add onions and garlic and cook until soft and sorta see-through.
2. Layering: In a big baking dish put down a layer of potato slices, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle some onions, garlic, and cheese. Keep layering potatoes, seasonings, and cheese until you fill the dish. Top with a final sprinkle of cheese.
3. Baking: Pour the heavy cream over everything so it seeps down between the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Take off the foil and bake another 30–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Serving Suggestions: Let it sit for a few minutes so it firms up. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you like. Serve warm with your Easter ham or lamb.

Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

• Pick the right potato: Russet or Yukon Gold are best ’cause they’re starchy and make a creamier sauce.
• Slice evenly: Even slices cook at the same speed so you don’t get some mushy and some crunchy.
• Adjust richness: Play with cream and cheese amounts until you find your sweet spot between too heavy or too light.
• Storing leftovers: Keep extras in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until they’re hot throughout.

best scalloped potatoes awesome easter dinner

These creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for an Easter dinner. They are layered with tender potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheese, creating a comforting and delicious experience loved by all.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 box grater or food processor with slicing attachment
• 1 whisk
• 1 set measuring cups and spoons
• 1 aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 4 large russet potatoes About 2.5 pounds.
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme Optional.
• 1 tablespoon butter For greasing the baking dish.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease the baking dish with butter.
• Thinly slice the russet potatoes using a sharp knife or a box grater, aiming for about ⅛ inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme, if using.
• Layer half of the potato slices in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese on top.
• Repeat with the remaining potato slices, pouring the rest of the cream mixture over them and topping with the remaining cheeses.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the scalloped potatoes. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, you can sauté onions and mix them in with the potatoes.

You can also experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences, like Fontina or Monterey Jack.

The scalloped potatoes can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble the ingredients and store in the refrigerator. Increase baking time slightly if baking cold from the fridge.