Traditional Easter Dinner Ideas! Scalloped Potato Casserole

Easter dinner is a time for family, tradition, and delicious comfort food, and no holiday spread is complete without a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish.

One of the best crowd-pleasers for an Easter feast is a Scalloped Potato Casserole—a dish that combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with a luscious, creamy sauce and a golden, crispy top.

Whether you’re serving roast lamb, ham, or a vegetarian main course, this classic potato casserole is the perfect side dish to complete your holiday meal. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful and elegant Easter favorite!

Why Scalloped Potatoes Are a Must-Have for Easter

✔ Creamy & Cheesy – The combination of buttery potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheese creates a decadent bite every time.
✔ Perfect for Sharing – This casserole is great for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat before serving to save time on Easter day.
✔ Pairs Well with Everything – Whether you’re serving ham, lamb, or roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or more cheddar)
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ⅛ inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat over medium-low until warm (do not boil).
3. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
3. Pour a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
4. Repeat the layers until all potatoes and sauce are used.
5. Sprinkle Gruyère (or cheddar) cheese on top for a crispy, golden finish.

4. Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potatoes

🥔 Use starchy potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest texture.
🧀 Experiment with cheeses – Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan make the perfect mix, but you can also try smoked gouda or fontina.
⏳ Make ahead for convenience – Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh before serving.
🔥 Get a crispier top – Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly crust.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy and cheesy potato casserole pairs beautifully with:
🍖 Glazed ham – A classic Easter pairing that balances the rich potatoes.
🥩 Roast lamb – The perfect hearty main dish for a traditional Easter meal.
🥦 Steamed asparagus or green beans – Adds a fresh, light contrast to the creamy casserole.
🍷 A crisp white wine – Try Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a refreshing balance.

The Perfect Side Dish for Easter Dinner

A Scalloped Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that belongs on every Easter table. Its rich, creamy layers and cheesy topping make it an irresistible addition to any holiday meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the celebration with loved ones.

So, this Easter, treat your family to this classic and delicious dish—you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: The Simple Way with Delilah

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