There’s something magical about scalloped potatoes that takes me right back to Sunday dinners at my dad’s table in Oregon. He’d layer thin potato slices with cream and cheese, creating something that always felt like a warm hug on a plate. Now, I’ve added my own twist—crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes.
The first time I made this version for Lila and Jack, they couldn’t stop talking about the crunchy topping. My sister Grace tried them at our last family gathering and immediately asked for the recipe. These crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes combine the classic creamy comfort of traditional scalloped potatoes with an irresistible golden, crunchy topping that transforms this side dish into something truly special.
Mark always loved dishes that had texture contrasts, and this recipe delivers exactly that. The combination of tender potato layers, rich cream sauce, melted cheese, and those addictive crispy fried onions creates a dish that disappears fast from any table.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Onion Scalloped Potatoes
This recipe brings together everything you want in a comfort food classic. First, the crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes require simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Additionally, the preparation is straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. The creamy layers of potatoes create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy fried onion topping.
Moreover, this dish feeds a crowd without demanding constant attention. You can prepare these crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes ahead of time, making dinner planning easier. Kids and adults alike love them—Lila picks out the crispy onions first, while Jack goes straight for the cheesy middle layers.
The versatility is another winning factor. These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. Furthermore, leftovers taste amazing the next day, which rarely happens in our house because everyone always wants seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients takes just minutes. Here’s everything you need for perfect crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes, thinly sliced | 3 pounds |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded Gruyere cheese | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Crispy fried onions | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 tablespoon |
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For the potatoes, Yukon Golds work wonderfully and create a creamier texture than Russets. You can also swap half-and-half for the heavy cream if you want a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Cheese variations open up endless possibilities. Try Gruyere alone for a more sophisticated flavor, or use all cheddar for sharper taste. Monterey Jack creates a milder version that kids often prefer. For a smokier profile, add smoked Gouda to the mix.
The crispy fried onions can be replaced with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips for different textures. Grace sometimes adds crumbled bacon to the topping for extra indulgence. For a vegetarian version, simply stick with the standard crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes as written. You can also incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or sage into the cream mixture for seasonal variations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating perfect crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes follows a simple process. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously and set it aside.
Next, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. I use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices about 1/8-inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the sauce.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook this mixture for two minutes, stirring continuously.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about five minutes. Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Remove from heat and stir in one cup of the cheddar cheese until melted.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Begin layering in your prepared baking dish. Arrange one-third of the potato slices in overlapping layers on the bottom.
Pour one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with cheese on top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes turn golden brown on top.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set properly, making serving easier.
As you master the art of crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes, consider trying your hand at baking heart shaped chocolate chip cookies for dessert. These delightful cookies will perfectly complement your meal and add a sweet touch to your dinner table. Check out the recipe here.
Pro Tips for Success
Several tricks guarantee perfect crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes every time. First, slice your potatoes uniformly. Inconsistent slices lead to uneven cooking where some pieces turn mushy while others stay hard.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Those 10 minutes let the sauce thicken considerably, preventing a soupy mess when you serve. Additionally, use a combination of cheeses rather than just one type. The blend creates more complex flavor and better melting properties.
For extra-crispy onions, add them only during the final 15 minutes of baking. Adding them earlier causes them to burn or lose their crunch. If you want even more crunch, toss the fried onions with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
Make sure your cream sauce thickens properly before adding it to the potatoes. A thin sauce results in watery crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Furthermore, don’t rush the covered baking time. The potatoes need that full hour to become tender throughout.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The onions will soften during storage, but you can refresh them during reheating.
To reheat, place portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes. For crispier onions, remove the foil during the last five minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though this won’t restore the crispy topping.
These potatoes freeze reasonably well. Assemble the dish completely but don’t add the fried onions yet. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding the crispy onions during the final 15 minutes.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up your leftovers, consider pairing your crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes with sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw. This easy recipe will elevate your meal and provide a fresh, flavorful contrast to the creamy potatoes. Find the recipe here.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with many main dishes. They’re perfect alongside roasted chicken, especially one with herb butter or lemon. The creamy potatoes complement the savory chicken wonderfully.
For holiday meals, serve these with glazed ham, prime rib, or roasted turkey. The rich, cheesy potatoes balance perfectly with these traditional proteins. Jack loves them with meatloaf, which makes a comforting weeknight dinner.
Lighter protein options work too. Grilled salmon or baked cod alongside these crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes creates an elegant dinner. Add steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete, balanced meal.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. For vegetarian meals, pair them with a hearty mushroom dish or ratatouille.
FAQs
Can I make crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, but don’t add the fried onions yet. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time. Add the crispy onions during the final 15 minutes.
Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?
Watery scalloped potatoes usually result from not cooking the cream sauce long enough or cutting the potatoes too thick. Make sure your sauce thickens properly before layering, and slice potatoes uniformly thin. Also, let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking so the sauce can set.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly because pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents. For the creamiest crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes, shred your own cheese. It takes just a few extra minutes and makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for traditional scalloped potatoes because it creates a smoother, creamier texture. However, you can leave the skins on Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a more rustic version. Just scrub them well before slicing.
How do I keep the fried onions crispy?
Add the fried onions only during the final 15-20 minutes of baking. This prevents them from getting soggy in the steam. If you’re making the dish ahead, store the fried onions separately and add them fresh when reheating.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 72mg |
| Sodium | 445mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 12g |
This recipe serves 8-10 people as a generous side dish. The crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes have become a staple at our family gatherings, and I hope they bring the same warmth and joy to your table. Every layer tells a story of comfort, tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing good food with people you love.
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crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes
- Total Time: 95 mins
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes combine the classic creamy comfort of traditional scalloped potatoes with an irresistible golden, crunchy topping. This dish features tender potato layers, rich cream sauce, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions, making it a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
3 pounds Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups Heavy cream
1 cup Whole milk
4 Garlic cloves, minced
2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Shredded Gruyere cheese
3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
4 tablespoons Butter
2 cups Crispy fried onions
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Black pepper
1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously and set it aside
- Peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Place the sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook this mixture for two minutes, stirring continuously
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about five minutes
- Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Remove from heat and stir in one cup of the cheddar cheese until melted
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Begin layering in your prepared baking dish
- Arrange one-third of the potato slices in overlapping layers on the bottom. Pour one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with cheese on top
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving
Notes
For extra-crispy onions, add them only during the final 15 minutes of baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 445mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Crispy fried onion scalloped potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic scalloped potato dish, featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions. This combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular choice for family gatherings and holiday meals, showcasing the versatility of potato-based recipes in culinary traditions.