Comforting Scalloped Potatoes

This creamy scalloped potato bake loaded with bacon and caramelized onions is hands down the best comfort food for family dinners or holiday feasts. Thin potato slices layered in cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and sweet onions make a rich dish that everyone will love.

I whipped this up when I needed a cozy side that felt fancy but wasn’t a hassle. Now it’s a go-to when I want to wow guests without stressing.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: bright and fruity for caramelizing onions, pick a fresh bottle
• Yellow onions: get sweet and soft when cooked slowly, best for rich flavor
• Thick cut bacon: smoky and crunchy, go for good quality for best bite
• Unsalted butter: key for making a smooth sauce base, skip salted to control saltiness
• All purpose flour: thickens up the sauce nicely, measure right for smooth texture
• Whole milk: makes the sauce creamy, fresher milk gives better taste
• Potatoes: nice and thin slices with a mandoline for even cooking; Yukon Gold or Russet are great for softness
• Sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses: a mix of punchy and nutty flavors; grate fresh so it melts well
• Salt and pepper: just enough to punch up the flavors

Steps

Start Off Right

Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x13 or deep 9x9 inch pan so nothing sticks and things get richer.

Sweeten The Onions

Warm olive oil on medium heat in a skillet. Toss in sliced onions with a little salt and pepper. Cook low and slow, stirring here and there, until onions are deeply caramelized and soft. This adds a sweet layer that balances salty bacon.

Cook Bacon

Clean out the skillet, then fry bacon till crisp. If you’re short on time, bake bacon strips on an oven tray with foil alongside onions. Drain excess fat and set bacon aside. Cleaning the pan gets it ready for sauce.

Make Sauce

Melt butter over medium heat in the same pan. Stir in flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Keep stirring for about two minutes so flour loses the raw taste without burning.

Add Milk

Pour milk in slowly while whisking fast. Bring it to a gentle simmer and keep whisking until sauce thickens—about two to three minutes. When it coats the back of a spoon, take it off the heat and hold.

Layer Everything

Place a layer of thin potato slices in your baking dish. Scatter caramelized onions and bits of bacon over them. Spoon some sauce on top, then sprinkle with that sharp cheddar and Gruyere mix. Keep repeating layers, ending with cheese.

Bake It Up

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then take off foil and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes so the top turns golden and potatoes cook fully.

Let It Rest

After baking, let it cool for 10 minutes so it firms up and is easier to serve.

The caramelized onions are my favorite—they add a sweet richness that cuts through all the cheese and cream. It takes me back to holiday dinners with my grandparents where this dish was a cozy favorite alongside roasts.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days. Warm covered in the oven on low heat to keep the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving since it can mess up the sauce.

Swaps You Can Try

Use half and half or cream instead of whole milk for an even thicker sauce but lower baking time because it sets quicker. Try smoked gouda or fontina instead of Gruyere for new cheese vibes. Swap bacon with pancetta or leave meat out and add mushrooms to keep it veggie-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these scalloped potatoes with roasted chicken or sautéed greens like spinach to balance all that richness. Drinks like crisp white wine or sparkling lemon water add a fresh twist. Top with herbs like parsley or chives for a bit of brightness.

For a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan cheese during the last part of baking.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of potatoes are best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work great since they slice nicely and hold up well when baked.

→ How do I get onions caramelized just right?

Cook thin onion slices slowly over medium heat with a pinch of salt until they turn golden and smell sweet. Stir now and then.

→ Can I switch up the cheese mix?

Sure thing. Sharp cheddar and Gruyere add richness, but feel free to try other melty cheeses you like.

→ Any faster way to cook bacon?

Try baking bacon in the oven while you work on the onions. It’s easy and makes crispy strips without messy pans.

→ What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?

A mandoline slicer works best so all your potato slices are thin and cook the same.