This is a straightforward homemade version of scalloped potatoes — thin-sliced potatoes layered with a creamy onion-garlic sauce, baked until tender and browned on top. Works for holidays, Sunday dinners, or those nights where you want a side that’s almost the main event.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy sauce that actually coats every bite.
- Flexible — works with red, yellow, or russet potatoes.
- Can make it cheesy if you feel like it.
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holidays.
- Goes with literally anything — ham, chicken, steak.
- Leftovers reheat like a dream.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, sliced about 1/8-inch thick
How to Make It
- Prep the oven and dish: 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, set aside.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low. Add onion and garlic, cook 3–4 mins until softened.
- Build the sauce: Stir in flour, cook 2 mins. Mix milk and broth together. Add slowly, whisking smooth after each splash.
- Season and thicken: Once all liquid is in, raise heat to medium, whisk to a gentle boil. Add 1/2 tsp salt + 1/8 tsp pepper. Boil 1 min.
- Layer the potatoes: Put 1/3 of potatoes in the dish, season with 1/4 tsp salt + 1/8 tsp pepper. Pour 1/3 sauce over. Repeat layers, ending with sauce.
- Bake covered: Foil on tight, 45 mins.
- Uncover and finish: Remove foil, bake another 35–45 mins until golden and tender. Broil 3–4 mins for extra color.
- Rest before serving: Let sit 20 mins so the sauce sets up.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Runny sauce: Didn’t let the potatoes rest — it thickens as it cools.
- Undercooked potatoes: Slices too thick or oven too cool.
- Sauce splitting: If adding cheese, don’t boil it. Stir in off-heat.
- Watery dish: Russets not drained/patted dry enough before layering.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days, covered.
- Freezer: Best to freeze after first bake but before final reheat.
- Microwave: Quick portions work fine.
- Oven: 350°F covered, about 25 mins to reheat a full dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add cheese?
Yep — up to 2 cups sharp cheddar or gruyere. Stir in after boiling sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — bake covered first, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat uncovered.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not if you’re using red or yellow — peel russets if you use them.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 286 | Carbs: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 484mg | Sugar: 5g
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Creamed Potatoes Recipe
- Paula Deen Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Paula Deen Chicken Fried Pork Chops Recipe

Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Description
Thin-sliced potatoes layered with creamy onion-garlic sauce, baked until tender inside and golden on top — a comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, grease 9×13-inch dish.
- Melt butter, cook onion + garlic 3–4 mins.
- Stir in flour, cook 2 mins. Gradually whisk in milk + broth.
- Bring to boil, add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, boil 1 min.
- Layer 1/3 potatoes, season, pour 1/3 sauce; repeat twice.
- Cover, bake 45 mins. Uncover, bake 35–45 mins more.
- Rest 20 mins before serving.
Notes
- Add cheese off-heat to prevent splitting.
- Use waxy potatoes for best shape.
- Broil briefly for deeper color.
- Make-ahead friendly — reheat uncovered to crisp top.