Name: Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: A Must-Try Cheesy Beef Dish
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced (1/8-inch); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 shallots (or 1/2 small yellow onion), minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk, warmed; 1 cup heavy cream, warmed; 1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 8 ounces smoked beef strips, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped; Extra crispy beef bits (optional); Sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving (optional)

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is truly the quintessential comfort food, offering a luxurious twist on a beloved classic. There’s something undeniably magical about layers of thinly sliced potatoes, expertly bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, and then baked until bubbling, golden, and utterly irresistible. While the humble origins of scalloped potatoes, or “Gratin Dauphinois,” can be traced back to the kitchens of France, evolving from simple potato and cream bakes, our ‘loaded’ rendition elevates this traditional side to a spectacular main contender.

We’re talking about the generous addition of savory crispy bacon, a medley of melted cheeses, and often a hint of fresh chives, transforming it into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. People adore this dish not just for its incredible, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deeply satisfying taste, but also for its heartwarming embrace. It’s a dish that feels like a special occasion, yet is surprisingly approachable for any family dinner or festive gathering. This particular Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite, bringing smiles and deep satisfaction to every single plate.

Ingredients:

For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Uniformity is key for even cooking!
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened, for greasing the baking dish.
For the Rich Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 2 shallots, finely minced (or 1/2 small yellow onion, finely minced).
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed (this helps prevent lumps!).
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed.
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth, low sodium.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (a secret weapon for depth of flavor!).
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adjust later).
For the “Loaded” Elements:
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I always prefer to shred my own cheese for superior melt and flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or another good melting cheese like Fontina or Monterey Jack).
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended for the full “Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe” experience):
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped.
- Extra crispy bacon bits, reserved from cooking or cooked separately.
- Sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving.

Preparation Phase: Getting Everything Ready for Your Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the softened butter. I always make sure to get into all the corners to prevent any sticking later on.
Prepare the Potatoes:
After peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes, slice them as uniformly as possible to about 1/8-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer is truly invaluable here, making the job quick and ensuring consistent slices, which is paramount for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. If you’re using a knife, take your time and aim for precision. Once sliced, transfer the potato rounds to a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which prevents the potatoes from sticking together and ensures a creamier, not gummy, texture in our finished Loaded Scalloped Potatoes. After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and spread them out on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Don’t skip this drying step! Excess water can dilute our rich cheese sauce.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. As a friendly tip, render the bacon slowly to get it perfectly crisp without burning. Once cooked, remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet – we’ll use this flavorful fat as the base for our cheese sauce! You can set aside a small amount of the crispy bacon for garnish if you like, adding even more “loaded” goodness at the end.
Mince Aromatics and Grate Cheeses:
Finely mince your shallots (or onion) and garlic. It’s important to get these small so they melt into the sauce seamlessly. Shred your sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, and grate your Parmesan. Always shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melt of your sauce, making it less smooth and luscious.
Warm the Dairy:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the whole milk and heavy cream until they are warm to the touch but not boiling. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy when you add the cold dairy to the hot roux. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in achieving that perfectly smooth sauce for our Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Crafting the Rich Cheese Sauce & Assembling Your Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Start the Roux:
Return the skillet with the reserved bacon fat to medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced shallots (or onion). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, being careful not to brown them too much. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Velvety Sauce:
Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the shallot and garlic mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This mixture is called a roux. Now, gradually whisk in the warmed milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, a little at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, usually 5-7 minutes.
Infuse with Flavor:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, freshly grated nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using). Now, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt and incorporate fully before adding more. This ensures a silky-smooth sauce. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the sharp cheddar and 1/4 cup of the Gruyere for the top later. Stir in about half of the cooked crispy bacon bits into the sauce. Taste the sauce and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, potatoes soak up a lot of seasoning, so the sauce should taste slightly saltier than you might expect on its own.
Layering the Loaded Scalloped Potatoes:
Now comes the fun part – assembly! Arrange about one-third of the dried potato slices in a slightly overlapping pattern at the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Try to create an even layer. Spoon about one-third of the rich cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle with a small amount of the remaining crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times: potatoes, then sauce, then bacon and Parmesan, ending with a layer of potatoes topped with the remaining sauce. I like to ensure the top layer of potatoes is completely covered by the sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking.
The Final Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup sharp cheddar and 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese over the very top layer of the dish. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Baking & Finishing Your Irresistible Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

The First Bake (Covered):
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential spills) and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes. Baking covered ensures the potatoes cook through evenly and become wonderfully tender in the steamy environment, absorbing all that glorious cheesy flavor.
The Second Bake (Uncovered):
After 60 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue to bake for another 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, the sauce is bubbling deliciously, and the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil again. To check for doneness, insert a thin, sharp knife into the center of the dish; it should slide in with little resistance. This is where the magic happens, transforming it into the ultimate “Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.”
Resting is Crucial:
Once baked to perfection, remove the Loaded Scalloped Potatoes from the oven. This is a very important step: let the dish rest for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. During this resting period, the sauce will set and thicken further, and the flavors will meld beautifully. If you slice into it too soon, the sauce will be too loose, and the layers might not hold together as well. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle generously with the fresh chopped chives and any extra crispy bacon bits you might have reserved. For an extra touch of indulgence, offer a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side. This creamy, tangy addition perfectly complements the rich, savory potatoes. Serve warm as a spectacular side dish or even as a comforting main course. Enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade Loaded Scalloped Potatoes!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my comprehensive guide to creating what I genuinely believe will become one of your most requested and adored dishes. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience, a showstopper that consistently steals the spotlight at any gathering. From the moment the aroma of baking potatoes, savory bacon, and melting cheese fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’re on to something truly special. The magic truly lies in those tender, thinly sliced potato layers, each one lovingly bathed in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully seasoned sauce, all brought to life with the irresistible crunch of bacon and the gooey embrace of several types of perfectly melted cheese. Every single bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – the soft, yielding potato, the velvety sauce, the crispy, salty bits of bacon, and the stretchy, golden-brown cheese that promises pure comfort. It’s hearty, it’s undeniably decadent, and I promise you, it’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve such spectacular, restaurant-quality results right in your own home. Once you taste the homemade version, laden with all those wonderful “loaded” elements, you’ll likely find it hard to go back to any other scalloped potato recipe.

I truly feel that this particular rendition, our

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

, is a must-try for any home cook, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, capable of transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a celebratory meal. The depth of flavor is unparalleled, thanks to the careful layering and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that work in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that garners immediate compliments and leaves a lasting impression, making everyone ask for the recipe. I specifically focused on creating a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with clear, actionable steps, ensuring your success from prep to plate. The golden-brown crust, the bubbling cheese, the tender interior – it’s a visual and gastronomic delight that will make you proud to serve it.

Now, let’s talk about the incredible versatility of this dish when it comes to serving. While it’s robust enough to stand on its own, it’s the quintessential partner for a wide array of main courses. Imagine pairing it with a perfectly roasted chicken, a succulent pan-seared steak, or even alongside a simple grilled salmon for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. During the holiday season, these potatoes are a non-negotiable addition to our family table, often managing to outshine the main course with their sheer deliciousness! They also make an absolutely incredible potluck contribution, guaranteeing rave reviews and empty serving dishes. Consider serving them at your next backyard BBQ – they offer a delightful, creamy counterpoint to traditional grilled fare like ribs or brisket. For a complete, satisfying meal that requires minimal additional effort, you could simply add a crisp, vibrant green salad on the side, allowing the richness and complexity of the potatoes to truly shine as the star of the plate. They are equally fantastic as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

But the fun and creativity don’t stop there! I wholeheartedly encourage you to experiment and make this recipe your own. Feel completely free to swap out the cheese – a smoked gouda would introduce a fantastic, complex depth, or perhaps some extra sharp cheddar for a more assertive, tangy flavor profile. For an extra layer of umami richness, try adding sautéed wild mushrooms to your potato layers. Caramelized onions, woven throughout the dish, would bring a lovely sweetness and another dimension of flavor. If you’re a fan of a little heat and a spicy kick, a finely diced jalapeño or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to an exciting new level. Want to make it even more substantial and turn it into a complete meal in itself? Cooked, diced ham, leftover pulled pork, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would be incredible additions, transforming it into a hearty casserole. For a more elegant presentation, especially for dinner parties or special occasions, consider baking this in individual ramekins – they look absolutely charming and ensure perfect portion control. You can also sprinkle fresh chives or parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, a dish you’ll turn to again and again. It’s a recipe that consistently brings smiles to faces, elicits heartfelt compliments, and creates lasting food memories around your table. Don’t be intimidated by the task of slicing the potatoes; a mandoline makes quick work of it, but a sharp chef’s knife and a little patience will yield equally beautiful, uniform results. The effort, I assure you, is absolutely worth it for the incredible, mouth-watering reward you’ll experience. So, I urge you, if you’re looking for a dish that offers comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence, give this recipe a try.

Once you’ve whipped up this masterpiece and experienced its deliciousness firsthand, I would absolutely love, love, love to hear all about your experience! What did you decide to serve it with? Did you try any of the suggested variations, or perhaps invent some of your own? Please, come back and leave a comment below to share your thoughts and tips. Better yet, capture a glorious photo of your creation and share it on social media! Tag us – I truly can’t wait to see your culinary triumphs and celebrate with you. Your feedback, stories, and beautiful photos inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. So go forth, embrace the layers, savor every indulgent bite, and share the joy. You’re about to make something truly special!