If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Crispy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes. This rich and creamy dish layers thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in a luscious garlic herb sauce, creating a warm, sumptuous side that’s perfect for any meal. With its delightful blend of sharp cheddar cheese and homemade crispy fried onions, this recipe stands out as a delicious addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The wonderful combination of textures—from the creamy potatoes to the crunchy fried onions—makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Not only does this recipe pack a punch in terms of flavor, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. You’ll have the satisfaction of creating a dish that looks elegant while minimizing kitchen stress. Each step of the cooking process can be carefully controlled, ensuring you get that perfect, golden-brown finish and creamy interior. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for diverse dietary needs.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the various components that make up these delectable scalloped potatoes, including tips on preparation, potential variations, and serving suggestions. Prepare yourself for the deliciousness that awaits!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes

Rich and Creamy: The combination of milk, broth, and flavorful herbs creates a smooth and satisfying sauce.
Crispy Texture: Fried onions on top provide a delightful crunch that complements the velvety potatoes.
Customizable: This recipe allows for numerous variations, including swapping out cheese or adding spices to suit your taste.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, dinner parties, or an indulgent family dinner.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this dish approachable, even for beginner cooks.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring that it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the scalloped potatoes evenly. A 9×13-inch baking dish will serve as the foundation for your layered dish, so grease it generously with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

For the potatoes, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. This tool ensures that you achieve thin, uniform slices of Yukon Gold potatoes, which is essential for even cooking. Having a good chef’s knife handy for chopping the herbs and slicing the onions will also streamline your prep work.

In terms of cookware, keep a medium-sized saucepan ready for making the creamy sauce. A whisk is also crucial for blending your roux smoothly. Finally, a heavy-bottomed frying pan or deep pot is necessary for frying the onions until they are golden and crispy.

Ingredients

3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
1 head roasted garlic, mashed
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk, at room temperature
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (½ white, ½ yellow), divided
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Garlic of Eden seasoning
1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
2 tbsp flour (for onion coating)
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tsp kosher salt
Fresh parsley and thyme for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly with butter or oil. This will help the potatoes to browning beautifully and avoid any sticking issues. It’s important to take this step seriously, as you want those scrumptious layers to come out intact!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk persistently for about 1 minute to create a roux, which will give your sauce a rich consistency. Slowly pour in the milk and vegetable or chicken broth while continuing to whisk. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing it to thicken to a creamy sauce. Once it reaches the desired consistency, mix in the roasted garlic, herbs, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese until it’s completely melted and well-blended into the sauce, ensuring every bite of potato will be flavorful.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Now, it’s time to assemble! Evenly layer the thinly sliced potatoes in your greased baking dish, making sure they are arranged nicely. Pour the rich, creamy sauce evenly over the layers of potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top to give it that mouthwatering cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, allowing the top to bubble and turn a beautiful golden-brown.

Step 5: Fry the Onions

While the potatoes are baking, fill a deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F. In a bowl, toss the sliced onions in flour until they are evenly coated. Fry the onions in small batches, cooking for 2 to 5 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onions.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are perfectly baked and bubbling, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Just before serving, top the creamy scalloped potatoes with the freshly fried crispy onions and garnish with chopped parsley and thyme. Serve while hot and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!

Variations

Protein: Add cooked bacon or diced ham for added flavor and protein.
Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as paprika or cayenne to give your dish a mild kick.

Cooking Notes

For consistent thickness in your potato slices, a mandoline slicer is ideal.
Take care not to over-salt the sauce since the cheese adds its saltiness.
Top with crispy onions just before serving to keep them crunchy.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time; just cover it and store in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Mixing in caramelized onions or a drizzle of truffle oil can enhance the dish’s depth and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Serve alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.

Tips

Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors; Gruyère or Fontina work wonderfully.
Prepare the creamy sauce as you slice the potatoes to save time.
If you prefer a spicy kick, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 550mg

FAQs

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven, and it may require a few extra minutes of baking.

Can I substitute the Yukon Gold potatoes?

While Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creaminess and flavor, you can substitute them with other waxy potatoes like red potatoes, but they may alter the texture slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen; it may take additional time.

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes is that classic dish that never goes out of style. With every delicious layer coming together beautifully, this recipe is bound to dazzle your family and friends. The combination of creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and crispy fried onions creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether it’s served for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, this dish promises to steal the show. If you’ve tried this recipe or have your own variations, we’d love to hear about it in the comments! Don’t forget to share this deliciousness with others who appreciate good food!