This Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal. With layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether following a gluten-free diet or just looking for a fantastic potato bake, this dish will not disappoint.

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Why Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are a favorite comfort food and a perfect side dish for various meals, from holiday dinners to casual family gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes and creamy, cheesy goodness makes them an irresistible option that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Plus, this gluten-free version ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy it, including those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

PRO TIPS for the Best Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes

Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Golds are the best potatoes for this recipe due to their medium starch content, which creates a perfect balance of creaminess and structure in the dish.
Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure your potatoes are sliced into even, thin rounds. This guarantees that they cook uniformly.
Cheese Selection: For the creamiest cheesy potatoes, mix sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Gruyere cheese is also a great addition for a deeper flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: Cook the sauce just until it thickens slightly before layering it with the potatoes. This ensures a smooth and rich texture in the final dish.

Ingredients needed for scalloped potato recipe

Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted version as it allows control over the amount of salt in this dish. This is especially important in a creamy sauce where salt levels can easily become overwhelming. Butter also contributes richness and depth of flavor to the sauce, making the potatoes tender and the overall dish more flavorful. We used Earth Balance for this recipe.

Unsweetened Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess to the sauce without the lactose or fat found in traditional dairy milk. It also keeps the dish suitable for those following a dairy-free diet while maintaining a creamy texture that’s essential for scalloped potatoes. Soy, Oat and Coconut milk and are common alternative.

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour is crucial because it serves as the thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring the creamy consistency of the dish. It replaces regular flour to make the recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, while still providing the structure needed for a smooth and cohesive sauce.

Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, onion powder (without salt), garlic powder, dried thyme. You can substitute or add any other seasoning of choice according to your taste.

Gluten-free chicken broth or gluten-free vegetable broth

Potatoes: I personally prefer Yukon Gold Potatoes, but you can use russet potatoes, as they both have higher starch content, which helps create a creamy texture – sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds

shredded cheddar cheese, divided (We used Follow Your Heart vegan cheese)

Optional: shredded Parmesan cheese (We used Follow Your Heart Parmesan)

The Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe are crucial as they have the perfect texture and starch content for scalloped potatoes, ensuring a creamy and cohesive dish.

How to make gluten-free scalloped potatoes recipe

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with gluten-free cooking spray.

Prepare the Cream Sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the almond milk and whisk until well combined with the butter. Gradually whisk in the gluten-free flour until the mixture is smooth.

Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Continue whisking as you add the gluten-free chicken broth. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it just begins to simmer around the edges and thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese and the optional Parmesan cheese.

Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining potato slices in an even layer, followed by the remaining sauce and cheddar cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Best Cooking Methods for Scalloped Potatoes

While the oven is the traditional method for making scalloped potatoes, you can also use an air fryer for a quicker cooking time and a crispier top. Another option is a slow cooker, which allows the dish to simmer slowly for a few hours, resulting in tender and flavorful potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Gluten-free scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian holiday menu. They also make a great addition to potlucks and family gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, russet potatoes or even sweet potatoes can be used, but Yukon Golds are recommended for the best texture.

What’s the best way to get a creamy sauce?
Cooking the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly ensures a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce; cook it over medium heat until just thickened. Using fresh, high-quality dairy or dairy alternatives can also help prevent curdling.

Can I make scalloped potatoes dairy-free?

Many people look for dairy-free versions of traditional recipes. Discuss alternatives to dairy milk, like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and how they impact the flavor and texture.

Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Address whether the dish can be prepared in advance and how to store it properly. Offer tips on reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Many users are curious about the distinction between these two dishes. Explain that scalloped potatoes typically do not include cheese in the sauce, while au gratin potatoes are topped with cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs.

How do I make scalloped potatoes in an air fryer?

Given the popularity of air fryers, some users may look for air fryer instructions. Provide a brief overview of how to adapt the recipe for air frying, including cook times and temperature adjustments.

Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?

Freezing is a common query for make-ahead dishes. Discuss whether scalloped potatoes can be frozen, how to properly freeze them, and how to reheat them without losing texture.

How long can I store leftover scalloped potatoes?

Include information about the storage duration for leftovers, the best way to store them (in an airtight container), and how to reheat them.

Why are my scalloped potatoes not cooking evenly?

Some users struggle with unevenly cooked potatoes. Provide tips on slicing the potatoes evenly, layering them correctly, and adjusting oven temperature for even cooking.