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Apple Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Best Cheesy Crust Side Dish

apple scalloped potatoes - featured image

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and tart apples are baked in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust. This comforting side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch)
  • 2 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for buttering the dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Peel and thinly slice potatoes and apples (about 1/8-inch thick). Slice onion thinly.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
  5. Slowly pour in milk or half-and-half, whisking to avoid lumps.
  6. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and thyme. Whisk until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  7. Arrange half the potatoes in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly. Scatter half the apples and onions over top. Pour half the sauce evenly over the layer.
  8. Repeat with remaining potatoes, apples, and onions. Pour the rest of the sauce over everything.
  9. Mix cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  10. Cover dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake another 25-30 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly and potatoes are tender. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crispier top, if desired.
  12. Let rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend or half the amount of cornstarch. Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best texture. Let the dish rest before serving for easier slicing. You can assemble ahead and bake fresh, adding extra time if chilled. For a richer dish, swap half the milk for heavy cream. Variations include adding bacon, using different cheeses, or swapping in sweet potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, apple potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, holiday side dish, potluck, vegetarian, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, apple gratin