❤️ Warm, Creamy, and So Comforting

Scalloped potatoes are one of those dishes that bring everyone to the table. The smell of baking potatoes, butter, and garlic fills the kitchen and feels like home.

This recipe is special because it’s made without cheese, yet it’s still creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The sauce comes from a mix of butter, flour, and milk — smooth and comforting, just like the old-fashioned recipes we grew up with.

It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for any meal — from Sunday dinner to Thanksgiving day.

Save

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥔 No cheese needed — still creamy and delicious.

• 🧂 Simple pantry ingredients you already have.

• 🍽️ Perfect texture — tender inside, golden on top.

• 💡 Easy to make ahead for holidays or busy nights.

• ❤️ Comforting and classic, just like Grandma’s cooking.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (you can also use russets)

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Save

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skin on for a rustic look.

Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to slice them thin — about ⅛ inch thick. Thin slices help them cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce.

Place the slices in cold water to stop them from turning brown while you prepare the sauce.

🧈 Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and light golden.

Next, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and mix well — it will look like a paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to make the sauce smooth.

Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens — about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off the heat.

Your sauce should be creamy and pourable — not too thick.

Save

🥘 Step 3: Layer the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish. Pour a little of the creamy sauce on top. Keep layering potatoes and sauce until everything is used up.

Finish with a final layer of sauce on top.

Save

🔥 Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp on the edges.

Stick a fork into the potatoes — they should be soft and tender.

Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and get extra creamy.

Save

🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve warm with your favorite main dish — roast chicken, baked salmon, or grilled veggies.

It’s rich, comforting, and full of home-style flavor — all without cheese!

Save

💡 Cooking Tips

1. Cut potatoes evenly: This helps them cook the same way.

2. Warm milk first: Cold milk can make lumps in your sauce.

3. Don’t rush: Let the sauce get thick before layering.

4. Let it rest: Resting makes it creamier and easier to serve.

5. Add herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or chives make it extra tasty.

🕒 Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage Tips

Make-ahead:
You can prepare this dish one day before. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Freezing:
Let the baked potatoes cool completely. Store in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until warm.

Storage:
Leftovers last up to 4 days in the fridge. Cover the dish to keep it creamy and fresh.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cold milk in hot pan: Can cause curdling — always use warm milk.

• Thick slices: They won’t cook evenly.

• Skipping foil: The top may brown before the potatoes are soft.

• No resting time: The sauce won’t set properly.

🥦 Best Serving Ideas

This dish goes perfectly with:

• Roast chicken or turkey

• Pan-fried fish or baked salmon

• Grilled steak or pork chops

• Green beans, asparagus, or spinach

• Fresh garden salad

It’s also great for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas dinners.

🌱 Variations You Can Try

Vegan:
Use olive oil instead of butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.

Dairy-free:
Use dairy-free margarine and unsweetened plant milk.

Gluten-free:
Replace flour with cornstarch or rice flour.

Extra creamy:
Add a spoon of sour cream or coconut milk for a richer flavor.

Spicy twist:
Sprinkle a little paprika or chili flakes between layers.

🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220

• Carbs: 34g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 8g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 320mg

❤️ Final Thoughts

This easy scalloped potatoes recipe without cheese proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. With just butter, milk, and potatoes, you get a dish that’s creamy, cozy, and comforting.

It’s simple, wholesome, and full of homemade flavor — perfect for everyday dinners or special holidays. Every bite tastes like love from the kitchen.

Serve it warm, share it with family, and enjoy the comfort that only real home cooking can bring.