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Creamy Brown Butter Scalloped Potatoes with Thyme

creamy brown butter scalloped potatoes with thyme - featured image

A comforting and flavorful scalloped potatoes recipe featuring nutty browned butter and fresh thyme, delivering creamy, tender layers with a golden cheese crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter the baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Swirl the pan occasionally as it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately once browned.
  3. Add 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk to the browned butter. Stir in minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat.
  4. Peel and slice Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/8-inch thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  5. Arrange a single layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour a ladle of the cream mixture over the layer, spreading gently to coat evenly.
  6. Repeat layering potatoes and pouring cream until all potatoes and cream are used. Press down lightly to compact layers but do not mash.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top layer for a golden crust (optional).
  8. Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is bubbling and golden brown. Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
  9. Let the scalloped potatoes rest 10-15 minutes outside the oven before serving to thicken the sauce and settle the layers.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning. Slice potatoes evenly about 1/8 inch thick for best texture. Rest the dish after baking for cleaner slices and thicker sauce. If sauce is still thin after resting, broil for 1-2 minutes to thicken the top. Use Yukon Gold potatoes to avoid mushiness. Can substitute dried thyme (1 teaspoon) if fresh is unavailable. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan butter browned carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, brown butter, thyme, comfort food, creamy potatoes, side dish, easy recipe