Dive into comfort food heaven with this scalloped potatoes recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. This creamy, cheesy, and garlicky potato dish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a standout side for your holiday feasts. If your family loves potatoes as much as mine, this will quickly become a requested favorite at your dinner table. Forget complicated recipes; this no-fuss, no-mess dish brings deliciousness to your plate with minimal effort.
Close-up of creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes au gratin, loaded with melted cheese and garnished with fresh chives. This easy weeknight meal is also perfect as a holiday side dish.
I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and straightforward, and Pioneer Woman’s recipes often hit that sweet spot. While my usual scalloped potatoes are a hit, I wanted to explore something a little different and revisit some of my cookbooks gathering dust. This Pioneer Woman potatoes au gratin recipe, adapted from her Food from my Frontier cookbook, was the perfect choice. It’s a fantastic way to elevate simple potatoes into something truly special.
Overhead shot of a baking dish filled with scalloped potatoes au gratin, golden brown and bubbly, with a serving spoon scooping a portion. This Pioneer Woman inspired recipe is an easy and delicious side dish.
I whipped up these cheesy scalloped potatoes for a “linner” – that delightful meal between lunch and dinner – a couple of weeks ago. The recipe is incredibly adaptable; I made just a few tweaks to suit our tastes. I’m a big fan of garlic and cheese, so I upped the amounts slightly and used fresh chives instead of green onions for a milder oniony flavor.
The recipe calls for “big potatoes,” but mine were on the smaller side, so I used six. In hindsight, seven small potatoes might have been even better to fill the dish perfectly. However, they turned out wonderfully creamy and cheesy, exactly as I’d hoped. While I hesitate to declare any cheesy potato dish “perfect” (because let’s be honest, I love them all!), these are undeniably easy to make and absolutely delicious. They’re already on my list to make again very soon.
Serving of scalloped potatoes au gratin on a white plate, garnished with fresh chives, showcasing the creamy texture and cheesy topping. This Pioneer Woman recipe adaptation is a comforting and savory dish.
Pioneer Woman’s Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 6-7 small potatoes, scrubbed clean (or 3-4 large potatoes)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow cheddar works great)
- Fresh chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a shallow baking dish and set aside.
- Slice Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Place them in the buttered baking dish.
- Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Cover & Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover & Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Potato Type: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for scalloped potatoes.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor profile.
- Garlic Lovers: If you’re a big garlic fan like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two!
- Serving Suggestions: These scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, beef, ham, or pork. They are also wonderful on their own for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier.
