Southern Style Scalloped Potatoes
Southern style scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a rich, creamy bacon-flavored sauce with a crispy browned top, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Peel potatoes and cut into very thin slices.
- Melt together bacon drippings and margarine.
- Arrange a single layer of potatoes in the bottom of a greased, shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Drizzle with some of the bacon drippings and margarine.
- Sprinkle lightly with some of the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Repeat layers using remaining ingredients, except cream and milk.
- Pour whipping cream over potatoes.
- Add milk, if necessary, to barely cover potatoes.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Uncover, raise oven temperature to 400°F, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding shredded cheese between the layers, such as cheddar or Gruyère. If you want a bit more flavor, sauté some onions or garlic in the bacon drippings before layering the potatoes. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Style Scalloped Potatoes make a perfect side dish for holiday meals or gatherings, pairing beautifully with meats like baked ham or roasted chicken. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or Corn-And-Potato Casserole for a comforting, hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the scalloped potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Scalloped Potatoes contains roughly 831 calories, with 12g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a convenient option for busy days.
What type of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, which helps create a creamy sauce. You can also mix in Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor and creamy consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties, as they won't yield the same result.
Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Freezing scalloped potatoes is not recommended as the texture can become grainy upon thawing. However, if you must, freeze them before baking. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adjusting the time as needed.
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).