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Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

This classic recipe for scalloped potatoes is the ultimate vegetarian side dish for a Sunday roast or a festive family gathering. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes and softened onions, enveloped in a silky homemade white sauce, creates a deeply comforting flavour profile. Using a sharp mature Cheddar adds a punchy savouriness that cuts through the richness, while a light dusting of breadcrumbs provides a delicate, golden crunch once baked.

Simplicity is at the heart of this homemade favourite, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, crowd-pleasing accompaniment. These creamy potatoes pair beautifully with seasonal greens or a crisp salad, offering a nutritious and hearty element to any meal. By covering the dish with foil initially, you ensure the potatoes become perfectly tender before achieving that signature bubbling, grilled finish.

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Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

  • 450g thinly sliced onion

  • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 tablespoons plain flour

  • 850ml milk

  • 1.1kg boiling potatoes

  • 350ml coarsely grated sharp Cheddar (about 170g )

  • 80ml dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 400°. In a skillet, cook the onion and 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is very soft. In a heavy saucepan, melt 90ml of the remaining butter over moderately low heat, whisk in the flour, and cook the roux, whisking, for 3 minutes. Add the milk, scalded, in a stream, whisking, and bring the sauce to a boil. Simmer the sauce, whisking, for 1 minute and add salt and pepper to taste.

Peel the potatoes and slice them 1/8-inch thick. Spread about one third of the sauce in the bottom of a well-buttered 3-quart gratin dish at least 2 1/2-inches deep, cover it with a layer of potato slices, overlapping the slices slightly, and cover the potatoes with one third of the onions. Sprinkle the onions with one third of the Cheddar and continue to layer the remaining sauce, potatoes, onions, and Cheddar in the same manner. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs, and dot it with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits.

Bake the mixture, covered with foil, in the middle of preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the potato mixture for 35 minutes more, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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