French Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy French scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and Swiss cheese, baked to golden perfection—an elegant side dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange half the sliced potatoes in a buttered casserole dish.
- Dot with butter.
- Top with sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with dried thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix whipping cream and cornstarch together.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top.
- Add the remaining sliced potatoes.
- Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes or until browned.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of whipping cream. If you're short on fresh thyme, dried oregano or rosemary can be good substitutes. You can also add layers of sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon for extra flavor. Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly for consistent cooking, and try using a mandoline for uniform thickness.
Serving Suggestions
French scalloped potatoes are a delightful side dish, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or a simple green salad. They complement dishes like herb-crusted chicken or glazed ham beautifully. For a special touch, serve alongside a light salad, such as Irene'S Two Week Salad, to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, the oven is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Scalloped Potatoes contains roughly 815 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (26% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly with different cheeses.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What should I do if the top is browning too quickly?
If the top is browning faster than the potatoes are cooking, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking. This will help achieve a perfectly cooked dish without sacrificing that lovely golden color.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).