Brown Butter Scalloped Potatoes are a delicious way to enjoy a creamy and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The brown butter adds a rich flavor that takes these potatoes to a whole new level, making it a favorite side dish.
This dish fixes bland potatoes, lengthy prep, and uneven flavor by cooking potatoes in brown butter with a silky scalloped sauce.

I know how challenging it can be to find recipes that are both hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. This recipe solves that problem by using the right layering of potatoes and a mix of cream and broth, ensuring a creamy texture without feeling overstuffed.
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can have the prep done in just 25 minutes and then let the oven take care of the cooking for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s a wonderful dish to have ready, especially when you’re busy.
If you love comforting sides, try these Raspberry Chipotle Roast Chicken. They’re both tasty and sure to impress anyone at your table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor : The brown butter gives these scalloped potatoes a nutty richness that elevates the dish beyond the usual creaminess. You’ll really taste the difference.
- Lovely Texture : Proper layering prevents mushiness, ensuring each potato slice stays tender while still holding its shape. It makes every bite satisfying.
- Convenient Prep : You can make this dish ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s great for busy days or entertaining.
- Easy Storage : Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy this comfort food throughout the week.
Creamy Brown Butter Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Butter Scalloped Potatoes are a rich, creamy, and indulgent side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salted butter, for browning
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/41/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, sliced about 1/8-inch thick
- 11/2 teaspoon salt, reserved for layering
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper, reserved for layering
Instructions
- Sauté Butter Until Brown: Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir it continuously until it turns a nutty brown color and gives off a delicious aroma. This browning process adds a rich, toasty flavor that takes the dish up a notch, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Layer Potatoes in Dish: Begin layering your sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, keeping them slightly overlapping. As you stack them, you will want to admire the beautiful layers forming. Not enough overlap can lead to uneven cooking, so ensure they are snug.
- Add Sauce & Seasoning: Pour the browned butter sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, making sure they are nicely coated. The sauce should shimmer and smell amazing. Skipping this step or not distributing the sauce well can leave dry spots in the final dish.
- Bake Until Tender: Pop your dish in the oven and bake until the potatoes feel tender. You will know it is almost ready when the top starts bubbling. Cover it with foil if you see browning too quickly to avoid burnt edges.
- Broil for Crispy Finish: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, broil them for a few minutes to achieve a gorgeous, crispy top. You should see a golden hue forming, and the smell will be irresistible. Keep a close eye; broiling can go from perfect to burnt in a flash.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Expert Tips: If the potatoes seem undercooked after the suggested baking time, cover them and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
- When the sauce is too thick or clumpy, adding more broth or milk a little at a time can help achieve a smoother consistency.
- If your potatoes turn out watery after baking, sprinkling salt between each layer will draw out moisture effectively.
- For flavorful touch, layer and season the potatoes well as you stack them to ensure every bite is delicious.
- If you are short on oven space, preparing the scalloped potatoes ahead of time means they can hold their heat for about 45 minutes.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted meats for a classic pairing. Pair with a fresh green salad for balance. Great with baked ham or grilled chicken.
- Recipe Variations: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Incorporate sliced cooked bacon for extra richness. Use different herbs like rosemary or thyme for new taste profiles.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy texture. If desired, Russet potatoes can be used but should be peeled. Red potatoes do not need to be peeled. If looking for substitutions, vegetable broth can replace chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 484mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/brown-butter-scalloped-potatoes

Recipe Tips
- If the potatoes seem undercooked after the suggested baking time, covering them and baking for an additional 10-15 minutes can help achieve tenderness.
- When the sauce is too thick or clumpy, adding more broth or milk a little at a time can help achieve a smoother consistency.
- If your potatoes turn out watery after baking, sprinkling salt between each layer will draw out moisture effectively.
- For a flavorful touch, layering and seasoning the potatoes well as you stack them will ensure every bite is delicious.
- If you’re short on oven space, preparing the scalloped potatoes ahead of time means they can hold their heat for about 45 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve brown butter scalloped potatoes alongside roasted meats for a traditional meal. Pair with a fresh green salad to complement the richness.
Consider using these potatoes in a family dinner for gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. They can also accompany baked ham or grilled chicken at a potluck.
Drizzle with extra brown butter before serving for enhanced flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also add brightness to the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use 3 pounds of sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an aromatic twist that complements the creaminess.
- Either incorporate sliced cooked bacon for richness, or add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- For smaller gatherings, you can halve the recipe by using 1 ½ pounds of potatoes and adjusting the rest of the ingredients accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your brown butter scalloped potatoes fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing flavor.
Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
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If you enjoyed this Brown Butter Scalloped Potatoes or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!