Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Creamy and Cheesy – The creamy cheddar cheese sauce envelops the tender potatoes, creating a rich and comforting base.
- Crispy Fried Onions – The golden, crispy onions on top add a perfect contrast to the smooth potatoes, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
- Simple Yet Flavorful – Made with basic ingredients like russet potatoes, cheese, and onions, this dish is easy to prepare but bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a potluck, these scalloped potatoes make the perfect side dish.
- Hearty and Filling – This dish is both filling and flavorful, making it a great complement to your favorite meats or vegetarian meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds (approximately 8-10 medium) russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and thinly sliced (use a mandoline for even slices)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (735 g) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
For the Fried Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of room-temperature milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, whisking, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
3. Layer the Potatoes:
- Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly to coat the layers. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
4. Bake the Potatoes:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender and the cheese to turn golden brown.
5. Prepare the Fried Onions:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the onion slices in small batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the fried onions from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Finish the Dish:
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes hot, enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness with the crunchy, savory topping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
These scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish that’s hearty enough to serve a crowd, yet easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can cover with foil to prevent them from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! You can use a mild cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference. Just make sure it melts well.
2. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes and cheese sauce ahead of time, then bake them the day of. The fried onions should be made fresh just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
3. Can I make these potatoes vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
4. Can I freeze these potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled scalloped potatoes before baking. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
5. Can I use a different type of onion?
You can use sweet onions or shallots for a different flavor profile. However, yellow onions provide the best balance of sweetness and savoriness for the crispy topping.
6. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft?
To ensure the potatoes don’t become too soft, slice them evenly and thinly, and avoid overcooking the dish. The foil helps cook the potatoes through without drying them out.
7. Can I make these potatoes without frying the onions?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the fried onions and use crispy fried shallots or even a store-bought crispy onion topping for convenience.
8. How do I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
9. Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier result.
10. Can I make these potatoes in advance for a party?
Yes, you can make these scalloped potatoes the day before and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake until hot and bubbly, and top with the fried onions before serving.
Conclusion
Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, savory crunch. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re an ideal side dish for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday meals. The combination of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and crispy fried onions is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish today!
Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes combine creamy cheddar cheese sauce with crispy fried onions to create a rich and comforting side dish. With tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes and a flavorful cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for any special occasion or family meal.
Ingredients
3 pounds russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and thinly sliced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups whole milk, room temperature
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for fried onions)
Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper, then gradually add milk while whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the Potatoes: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden brown.
- Prepare the Fried Onions: Heat oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry onion slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Finish the Dish: Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top and garnish with parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and crunchy flavors.
Notes
Use russet potatoes for the best texture, but you can substitute with Yukon Gold for a creamier result.
If you prefer, use store-bought crispy onion topping for convenience.
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
