No-Fuss Creamy & Spiced Scalloped Potatoes: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Who can deny loving scalloped potatoes? One of the best holiday side dishes, the creaminess of potatoes and cheese, combined with rich flavor, is just…..WOW!

This scalloped potatoes recipe with an Indian twist is a perfect pick for an Easter side dish or any moment. It features our boldIndian spices and seasonings like garam masala, ginger garlic seasoning, and minced onion,all brought together in a creamy dreamy cheddar cheese sauce with that signature Indian flair.

Totally comforting, deeply satisfying, and absolutely worth making, this holiday side dish will be a hit for everyone.

What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin?

They’re very similar, but there are a few key differences. Au gratin potatoes always contain cheese and often breadcrumbs, and it's known for its crispy, golden top. Don’t worry, you’ll find our spiced au gratin recipe on the blog too! Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, traditionally don’t include cheese. They’re baked in a simple cream or dairy-based sauce, often flavored with onions and herbs.

Of course, there are plenty of variations of making these recipes (including ours!) do add cheese for the creamy, indulgent finish. So while they may look alike, the texture and ingredients can vary depending on how you make them.

And don’t forget to check out ourApril Box of the Month! It’s packed with pantry essentials that help you whip up something delicious, whether you're cooking solo or sharing the meals.

Before You Start: Some Tips for Flavorful Scalloped Potatoes

• Start by choosing the right potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery texture and smooth fluffiness, but Russet potatoes work well too for thiseasy holiday side dish.

• For easy prep without losing flavor and time, go with minced onion or onion powder. Add a sprinkle of our Ginger Garlic Seasoning for that warm, aromatic kick.

• Feel free to adjust the garam masala for Indian-inspiredpotato sides recipe and other spices to match your mood or taste.

• You can choose sharp cheddar or Guyere cheese for cheesy layers.

• And don’t forget, keep your sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated. It melts beautifully into the creamy sauce and brings everything together in thiscreamy scalloped potato dish.

Spiced Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups Milk
  
• 2 tbsp Pride of India's Minced Onion
  
• 1 tbsp Pride of India's Ginger Garlic Seasoning
  
• 1 tsp Pride of India's Crushed Red Chili Peppers
  
• 1 tbsp Pride of India's Garam Masala 
  
• 2 tbsp Pride of India's White Rice Flour
  
• ¼ tsp  Pride of India's Black Peppercorns Whole
  
• 1.5 tbsp unsalted Butter
  
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, for topping)
  
• Himalayan white fine saltto taste
  
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

Directions:

1. Prep the potatoes:Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about ⅛ inch thick for even cooking. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside.

2. Make the sauce: In a pan over low-medium heat, melt the butter and saute the minced onion for about 30 seconds. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the tomato paste (if using) and garam masala. Cook briefly until aromatic,don’t let it burn. Stir in the ginger garlic seasoning and chili flakes.

3. Create the creamy base:  In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Pour this into the pan with the spiced mixture. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until small bubbles appear around the edges. This step infuses the milk with aromatic spices for a rich, flavorful base.

4. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in1 cup of cheddar cheese, mixing constantly to prevent curdling. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat.

5. Layer and bake:Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the potato slices in the dish, either upright for a rustic look or flat and overlapping.
    Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the potatoes. If stacking upright, pour most of the sauce over the top. If layering flat, alternate between potatoes and sauce for even coverage.

6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shreddedcheddar on top for a rich, golden crust on thisholiday favorite side dish.

7. Bake Time:Bake for 50-60 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly..

8. Let it rest:  Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to  help the sauce set and make serving easier.

Pair this creamy, spiced scalloped potato side dish with a light green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal!

From savory to sweet, hop over to our Easter Carrot Cake recipe too.

Enjoy baking, and Happy Easter!