Creamy, rich, and baked to golden perfection—Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for everything from holiday dinners to casual family meals. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a flavorful cream sauce and cheese, then baked until soft and bubbly. The result is a dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

This recipe brings warmth to your table and works wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or even as a vegetarian main.

What Are Ina Garten’s Scalloped Potatoes?

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes, often called gratin potatoes, are a baked casserole of thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, garlic, and cheese. The potatoes absorb the rich flavors as they bake, creating tender layers with a golden, slightly crispy top. It’s comfort food with a refined twist, made from simple ingredients.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Elegant yet hearty – Looks impressive, tastes incredibly comforting
Perfect for holidays – A crowd-favorite on any festive table
Pairs with everything – Complements meats, seafood, and veggies
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared ahead and baked later
Simple ingredients – Uses pantry and fridge staples
Customizable – Easy to adjust cheese, herbs, and seasoning
Golden, creamy layers – The best part of any potato dish

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups whole milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
2½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cream mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat until just about to simmer, then remove from the heat.

Step 3: Layer the potatoes

Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour a little of the cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan. Repeat the layering until all the potatoes and cream are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake until tender and golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserts easily into the potatoes.

Step 5: Let rest and garnish

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Roast chicken or turkey – A perfect holiday pairing
Grilled or baked salmon – The creaminess balances the rich fish
Beef tenderloin or steak – Adds a luxurious, hearty feel
Green vegetables – Like roasted asparagus, peas, or green beans
Fresh garden salad – Lightens the richness with a crisp contrast
Dinner rolls or crusty bread – Great for soaking up the creamy sauce
Dry white wine – Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works well

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Use a mandoline slicer – Ensures even, thin slices for consistent cooking
Choose waxy potatoes – Yukon Golds hold their shape better than russets
Let it rest before slicing – This helps the layers set and makes serving easier
Grate cheese fresh – It melts better than pre-shredded varieties
Adjust seasoning as needed – Especially if using a different cheese
Use foil for first half of baking – Keeps the top from browning too quickly
Add herbs for flavor depth – A few thyme sprigs or rosemary elevate the dish

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Add caramelized onions – For a sweet, savory layer
Mix in sautéed mushrooms – Adds earthiness and depth
Swap cheeses – Try cheddar, fontina, or a smoked gouda
Include thin-sliced leeks – A soft onion flavor that blends perfectly
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños
Go garlic-heavy – Roast garlic first for a rich flavor infusion
Add breadcrumbs on top – For a golden, crunchy crust

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Cool completely before storing – Helps avoid sogginess
Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
Wrap tightly if storing in a baking dish – Use foil or plastic wrap
Freeze portions if needed – Best if frozen before baking
Label with date – Helps with freshness tracking
Avoid stacking layers when freezing – Keeps texture intact

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes

Oven is best for texture – Reheat at 350°F covered with foil for 20–25 minutes
Microwave for quick reheating – Use short bursts and a microwave-safe dish
Add splash of milk or cream – Prevents drying out while reheating
Reheat individual portions – Faster and more consistent results
Broil briefly at end – Restores a crispy top layer if needed

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 390
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 430mg

Rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, this side dish brings indulgent comfort with every serving.

FAQ

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin?

Scalloped potatoes are typically baked with a cream or milk sauce, while au gratin includes cheese layered between the potatoes. Ina Garten’s recipe blends both styles by adding cheese, giving it a rich and creamy texture with a golden top.

Can scalloped potatoes be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

How do you keep scalloped potatoes from curdling?

To prevent curdling, gently heat the cream and milk before pouring over the potatoes. Avoid boiling, and use full-fat dairy, which is less likely to separate during baking.

What are the best potatoes to use for scalloped potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes. They hold their shape well during baking and have a naturally creamy texture that works beautifully in layered dishes.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s scalloped potatoes are the definition of comfort food done right—creamy, cheesy, and beautifully baked to golden perfection. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy family meals. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the boxed version.