Scalloped potatoes are a comfort food classic. Most recipes feature thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy, cheese sauce. It basically combines macaroni and cheese with potatoes. So, we have two comfort foods piled into one delicious dish!

My grandmother cooked every single day and scalloped potatoes were one of her specialties. Fortunately for me, neither of my siblings enjoyed them, so they were all for me!

Now, I didn't make them just like grandma used to... I'm fairly certain Velveeta was involved. And, don't get me wrong- Velveeta is delicious!!!! But, that is an awful lot of ingredients for cheese... Anyway, I did add diced ham, just like my grandma.

Also, my version is NOT swimming in sauce and I'm not mad about it. 

These potatoes make the perfect side dish for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! Tender and golden brown, with bubbly cheese!

Ok, so the potatoes may take some time to peel and bake, but this recipe is very simple to prepare and utterly satisfying!

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Ingredients in Simple Scalloped Potatoes

• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Cream Cheese
• Cheddar Cheese
• Milk
• Diced Ham

What is the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?

Both scrumptious dishes involves potatoes and a creamy sauce. In the most traditional sense, scalloped potatoes are made with a cream sauce, but many of today's versions also feature cheese. Gratin refers to a browned crust that forms on a baked food. This is often achieved by adding cheese and/or breadcrumbs to the top and cooking until browned or crisped. Basically, if you took scalloped potatoes and added cheese and/or breadcrumbs on top and threw it under the broiler for a few minutes- they would be scalloped au gratin potatoes or maybe it's au gratin scalloped...either way- they would be absolutely delicious!

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Why are they called scalloped potatoes?

The name for scalloped potatoes comes from an Old English word- "collop," which means to slice thinly. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a creamy, sometimes cheesy saucy and baked.

Which are the best potatoes to use?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for this dish. With Yukon Gold, you wouldn't even need to peel the potatoes = WINNING!

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