This is really a classic recipe that everyone makes just a little differently.
My version, as everything I make, always has a little Italian flair to it.
I use lots of garlic instead of onion, or you can use both if you like, fresh parsley and shredded provolone give this dish it's Italian taste.
These potatoes are perfect with any meats you serve, great for entertaining and perfect for pot lucks.
They have a hint of that smoked flavor using leftover ham, cooked bacon or prosciutto mixed in.
With this crunchy topping, it just takes ordinary scalloped potatoes to the next level of yumminess.
I always end up making these after a big holiday ham with leftovers and everyone looks forward to these creamy baked spuds.
We love all kinds of casseroles, and I can make this my dinner when I add meat to it all in one pan meal!
Mom made many delicious casseroles growing up like this one and another favorite was the famous Classic Tuna Casserole back in the 1960s.
Scroll down to this easy recipe all homemade from scratch to get the best-scalloped potato recipe you've ever have eaten!
Scalloped Potatoes Or Au Gratin?
The difference comes down to cheese and scalloped potatoes are much simpler.
Most recipes call for the potatoes to be baked in a basic cream sauce most of the time with a combination of heavy cream and whole milk.
Potatoes au gratin is a bit more decadent.
They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.
Some versions of potatoes au gratin also have breadcrumbs sprinkled on top for a little bit of crunch to contrast with the tender potatoes.
So, basically, the only other difference I see is the thickness of the potatoes cut, scalloped potatoes are thicker than the au gratin which tend to be thinner and sliced on a mandolin.
I suppose this is a cross between both!
The origin of the first scalloped potato dish is thought to be from England or from America, but its origin is not known for sure.
Tips
- In a hurry? Microwave or boil in water sliced potatoes for around 4 minutes, slice and layer to cut time in half
- Any potatoes will work but russet tends to fall apart easily, I like white potatoes or Yukon gold
- To ensure the potatoes bake evenly, slice them all the same size
- You can use a mandolin to slice them the thickness you like
- Always make the roux and cook it until golden for the best results in the flavor
- You can substitute 1 cup of heavy cream for milk for even a creamier sauce
- Pasta can be used instead of potatoes
- Add broccoli instead of meat if preferred
- If using the instant pot or slow cooker method, add additional liquid for longer cooking see notes
Ingredients You Will Need
- white potatoes (around 5 medium-sized potatoes)
- garlic
- butter or other fat
- dry mustard
- Italian seasoning
- freshly chopped parsley
- granulated garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat
- whole milk
- cooked ham, cooked crumbled bacon or Proscuitto
- extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- provolone cheese shredded
- Parmesan cheese grated
- Italian flavored bread crumbs
- Optional: add seasoned hamburger meat, hotdogs, chicken tenders on top while baking in the oven for all in one pan meal
Meat Suggestions:
(added on top before cooking potatoes for flavor and all in one pan meal)
- kielbasa
- hotdogs
- bacon
- ham
- hamburgers
- chicken tenders
- boneless chicken breast wrapped in bacon
- pork chops
- smoked pork chops
Making a Roux
You will need a heavy wide-bottomed saucepan using medium heat to make this sauce starting with making a roux.
Use equal parts of melted or hot liquid fat (butter, oil, or margarine) and flour, I always use butter for the flavor.
Cook the roux, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, to desired color (the darker the roux, the deeper the flavor)
Pasta instead of Potatoes
You can use the same basic recipe for this pasta and use the same ingredients, however, not for the slow cooker or instant pot
method of cooking.
Or you can also make my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Baked by clicking here for that recipe.
More Recipes You May Like
Potatoes and Sour Cream
Roasted Potatoes with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Amaretto Sweet Potato Casserole
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
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Easy Recipe
These are so much healthier than any kind of store-bought boxed mixes.
Really, this is so easy, even if you hate to cook, follow this simple recipe, you'll never buy them again in a box.
The potatoes are melt in your mouth tender, oozing with cheese and creamy flavored garlic butter sauce and the best side dish ever!
Your family will thank you and anyone that takes their first bit of this Italian style scalloped potatoes!
Let me know how you like this recipe in the comments below!
Italian Style Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Yield: 8
prep time: 15 Mcook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 15 M
This is a cheese and ham scalloped potato recipe made from scratch with provolone and sharp cheddar cheese.
ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds peeled white potatoes (around 5 medium-sized potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons butter or other fat
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat
- 2 cups whole milk ( for an instant pot or slow cooking add 1/2 cup more milk)
- 1 cup chopped cooked ham, cooked crumbled bacon or Proscuitto
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup provolone, shredded
- 1/2 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs or buttery crackers crushed
- grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: add hotdogs, kielbasa, seasoned hamburger meat, breaded chicken tenders or whatever meat you prefer
instructions:
How to cook Italian Style Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Note: I have cooked these in an instant pot on high for 6 hours, a regular slow cooker or baked in the oven.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for other methods than using the oven.
- Preheat oven 375 degrees. Oil spray whatever cooking vessel your using. You will need at least a 3 to a 4-quart casserole dish.
- First wash, peel and slice the potatoes. (We like ours a little thicker so around 1/4 inch thick)
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the butter, saute the garlic until it is just soft around 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour to make the roux and blend for another minute or so until the desired color is achieved around 1 minute, darker roux adds more flavor.
- Pour in the milk and stir until it gets thick.
- Pour in the cheeses, seasoning, fresh parsley, dried herbs and fold in the meat of choice, mix together.
- In your oil sprayed cooking vessel add the potatoes on one layer, then some cheese mixture, more potatoes then end with sauce.
- Garnish the top with more provolone (or cheddar if you prefer)cheese, then sprinkle the top with bread crumbs with more Parmesan grated evenly and chopped parsley.
- This will take at least an hour to cook or so, testing with a fork to see if the potatoes are soft.
- Note: If using a slow cooker or instant pot 6 to 8 hours on high adding 1/2 cup more milk to this recipe.
Calories
322
322
Fat (grams)
22
22
Sat. Fat (grams)
12
12
Carbs (grams)
22
22
Net carbs
14
14
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Some Of Our Favorite Recipes:
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Potatoes and Franks
Chicken and Pasta Bake
Disclosure: This recipe was originally posted to this blog 2011. It was edited and re-published in 2019.
Nice and cheesy - just like scalloped potatoes should be. These look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLooks so yumm.. Definitely my kids would love this..
ReplyDeleteme and my thinking cap
OMG what a beautiful space u have here....never seen soooo much Italian recipes before and these looks yummmy.
ReplyDeletehave never added the flour on top, will certainly have to try that ...
ReplyDeleteNice and yummy....also the pic is very tempting :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful!!! This dish would be hard to stop eating!
ReplyDeleteClaudia-Scalloped potatoes are my alltime favorite comfort potatoes in the world...with the cheesy goodness of the cheddar and the parmesan cheese...I'm in heaven. Your potatoes look so creamy ooey-goey yummy. We really should get together soon since we live so close to each other and cook up a storm!
ReplyDeleteBTW-your photos are getting more and more awesome!
It uses milk and not cream (yay. All that cheesey goodness makes me yearn for it (I am part mouse). I could eat it all for dinner and never look back.
ReplyDeleteIt uses milk and not cream (yay. All that cheesey goodness makes me yearn for it (I am part mouse). I could eat it all for dinner and never look back.
ReplyDeleteYum, Claudia these look great. I love the bread crumbs, I have not put them on my scalloped potatoes before, but sure will now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia! I want that pan, look so tasty!
ReplyDeleteCiao Claudia-This is gorgeous! I wish you were my neighbor. Every thing loooks so yummy and comforting on your blog.
ReplyDeletelooks delicious lovely combination
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a cheese lover, and these do look incredibly delicious!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a cheese lover, and these do look incredibly delicious!
ReplyDeleteLooks so very cheesy and satisfying!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia! I'm one of your newest followers. Those potatoes look wonderful and can go with any meal!
ReplyDeleteHi…..Please visit my blog an award is waiting for you ….. :)
ReplyDeleteThe potatoes sound delicious and the plated photo looks awesome
ReplyDeleteHey Claudia, My mother used to make scalloped potatoes the same way. I had forgotten all about them until reading this. Thanks for the memory jog and beautiful display!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm a cheese lover AND a potato lover! This dish is right up my alley!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my Mom's specialty - she loves them. They look delicious Claudia, one of the best comfort dishes!
ReplyDeleteCheddar and parm ... all melty and gooey. Girl, you know the way to my heart!! : )
ReplyDeleteCheese and potatoes with an Italian twist . . . how can you go wrong with this combination? So perfect! I'll definitely prepare this recipe as we always have had just plain old, plain old scalloped potatoes. . . . my Italian family never ventured in this realm, so I MUST try!
ReplyDeleteOH Yum yum yum!!!
ReplyDeletei m definetly a potato and cheese lover, this s one of my favorite definetly..
ReplyDeleteCheddar, parmesan, potatoes... oh you are speaking my language! I love these potatoes! Beautiful recipe.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is one of those dishes I would devour with no leftovers. I love the flavor combos.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that topping looks fantastic...I just love scalloped potatoes!
ReplyDeleteCheese, cheese and more cheese! Everything about this is just yummy! Delizioso!
ReplyDelete