Decadent Gluten-Free Potato Gratin

Transform your holiday spread or weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy, irresistibly creamy, and perfectly cheesy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, simple cream sauce, generously seasoned with fragrant fresh thyme and blanketed in a golden-brown layer of bubbly cheddar cheese. This is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting masterpiece designed for convenience, allowing you to prep ahead and spend more time enjoying the festivities or a relaxed evening. This recipe redefines classic comfort food, making it accessible and delicious for everyone, especially those avoiding gluten. Its rustic elegance and deeply satisfying flavors are sure to make it a cherished addition to any meal, promising a delightful culinary experience with every spoonful.

Close up of a dish of scalloped potatoes with a spoonful taken out to show the middle.

Contents

Why This Gluten-Free Scalloped Potato Gratin Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this particular scalloped potato recipe stands out, promising to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. From its incredible flavor profile to its sheer ease of preparation and versatility, here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this dish:

Irresistible Flavor and Texture

Ultimate Comfort Food Experience: This recipe delivers everything you crave in a baked potato side dish. You get beautifully tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes submerged in a luxurious, velvety cream sauce. The generous topping of gooey, perfectly browned cheddar cheese adds a layer of rich, savory goodness that’s simply divine. It’s the quintessential gluten-free and vegetarian gratin, offering pure comfort in every bite.
A Symphony of Simple Flavors: While the dish feels incredibly gourmet, its flavors are wonderfully straightforward. Fresh thyme infuses the sauce with an aromatic earthiness, perfectly complementing the creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar. The balance of ingredients ensures a harmonious taste that appeals to all palates.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The Ideal Holiday Side Dish: These easy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are tailor-made for holiday gatherings. They bring an elegant yet hearty presence to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter table, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats and other festive sides. Its ability to be prepared ahead of time also significantly reduces stress on busy entertaining days.
Versatile Weeknight Main or Side: Beyond special occasions, this dish is robust enough to transform into a delightful vegetarian main course any night of the week. Simply serve it alongside a crisp simple side salad or some steamed or sautéed greens for a complete and satisfying meal. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to your weekly menu rotation.

Effortless Preparation and Make-Ahead Convenience

Simple Steps for Stunning Results: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for novice cooks. The instructions are clear and concise, ensuring a successful outcome every time.
Prep-Ahead Friendly: One of the biggest advantages, especially for busy hosts, is the option to assemble this scalloped potato dish up to a day in advance. This means less last-minute scrambling and more time to enjoy your guests or relax. Simply assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Gluten free scalloped potatoes pictured in a white baking dish.

Mastering Your Scalloped Potatoes: Essential Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Achieving the perfect gluten-free scalloped potatoes is simpler than you think with a few expert insights. These tips will ensure your gratin is always a showstopper: tender, creamy, and beautifully set.

Precision Potato Slicing: The secret to evenly cooked and beautifully layered scalloped potatoes lies in uniform slices. A mandolin is your best friend here, creating perfectly even potato rounds effortlessly and safely. However, if a mandolin isn’t available or you prefer not to use one, a large, sharp knife will yield excellent results. Just take your time to ensure your slices are as consistent as possible, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This consistency is crucial for the potatoes to cook through at the same rate and absorb the creamy sauce evenly. For best results, we recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, as their waxy texture holds up well to baking, resulting in a creamy rather than crumbly finish.
The Art of the Gluten-Free Roux: These gluten-free scalloped potatoes begin with making a gluten-free roux, which is the foundation of our rich, thickening cream sauce. If you’re new to making roux with gluten-free flour, don’t fret! The process is quite similar to traditional roux. It involves cooking gluten-free all-purpose flour in melted butter until it forms a paste, then slowly whisking in liquids. This creates a smooth, lump-free base for your sauce. For a more detailed walkthrough and to ensure your roux is perfect every time, refer to this comprehensive guide to making gluten-free roux. Mastering this step is key to a luscious, thick sauce that coats every potato slice beautifully.
The Underrated Importance of Resting Time: Once your potato gratin emerges from the oven, glistening and bubbly, it can be tempting to dive right in. However, resisting this urge for a crucial resting period is paramount. The potatoes need time out of the oven to fully absorb the liquid from the sauce. This process allows the gratin to set properly, ensuring that when you slice it, your pieces are neat, defined, and hold their shape beautifully, rather than becoming a sloppy mess. Allow it to stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving. This patience will be amply rewarded!
Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar offers a wonderfully robust flavor that many adore, feel free to customize the cheese to suit your preference or complement your main course. If cheddar is a bit too strong for your menu, Gruyere makes a fantastic, milder, yet equally delicious swap. Its nutty and slightly sweet notes add a sophisticated depth. Other excellent choices include Monterey Jack for a milder, meltier texture, or even a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a different flavor profile and stretchier melt.
Optimize for Holiday Prep: For ultimate convenience, especially during busy holiday cooking, assemble this scalloped potato dish up to a day ahead. Simply layer the ingredients in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking according to the recipe instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through. This strategy ensures you have a spectacular side dish ready with minimal fuss on the big day.

Gluten-Free Scalloped Potato Gratin: The Recipe

Gluten Free Scalloped Potato Gratin

Prep:

35 minutes

Cook:

1 hour 10 minutes

Resting Time:

20 minutes

Total:

2 hours 5 minutes

This easy, gluten-free take on Scalloped Potatoes is perfect for entertaining or a comforting weeknight meal, simply flavored with fresh thyme and plenty of cheddar cheese.

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
½ onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, divided
¼ cup butter, diced and divided
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped and divided
2 cups whole milk
1 cup vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Mandolin (optional, for even slices)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly to combine it into a smooth paste (your roux). Cook for 1 minute, or until it is lightly golden, ensuring to whisk continuously to prevent burning.
Slowly pour in the vegetable (or chicken) stock, whisking vigorously and constantly to incorporate it smoothly into the roux. Once combined, add the whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of the fresh thyme. Continue to cook, whisking often, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and lightly coats the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Begin layering your gratin: Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top this potato layer with half of the sliced onion, then evenly pour half of the creamy sauce over the onions and potatoes. Sprinkle 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, onion, sauce, and the second cup of cheddar cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese on top is beautifully browned and bubbly. Let the dish stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. This crucial resting time allows the sauce to be fully absorbed and the gratin to set, making for cleaner slices. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining fresh thyme just before serving for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Even potato slices are key: Use a mandolin for uniform thickness, or a very sharp knife for consistent cuts. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Don’t skip the resting time: This allows the potatoes to fully absorb the creamy sauce and the gratin to set, preventing a runny or sloppy result when serving.

Mastering your gluten-free roux: For a comprehensive guide on creating the perfect gluten-free roux, which forms the base of your creamy sauce, refer to this detailed article.

Cheese variations: While cheddar provides a robust flavor, Gruyere is a fantastic, milder, and equally delicious alternative that offers a nutty undertone. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack.

Prepare ahead: This scalloped potato dish can be fully assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to covered baking time if needed.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes

Here are answers to some common questions to help you perfect your gluten-free scalloped potato gratin:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe? While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, you can certainly experiment. Russet potatoes will yield a fluffier, more absorbent result, while red potatoes will maintain a firmer texture. Always ensure consistent slicing, regardless of the potato variety chosen.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free? Yes, with a few substitutions! You can replace the whole milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the cheese, opt for your favorite brand of dairy-free shredded cheddar or a blend that melts well.
How should I store leftover scalloped potatoes? Allow any leftover scalloped potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can gluten-free scalloped potatoes be frozen? Yes, they can! Once the gratin has cooled completely, you can freeze individual portions or the entire dish in a freezer-safe container. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are the best ways to reheat this dish? For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or a toaster oven until heated through. For a larger dish, cover it with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warm, uncovering for the last few minutes to crisp the cheese if desired.
Why are my potatoes still hard after baking? This usually indicates that the potato slices were too thick or the oven temperature was not accurate, leading to insufficient cooking time. Ensure your slices are uniformly thin (1/8 to 1/4 inch) and your oven is properly calibrated. Covering the dish for the initial baking period helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they become tender before the cheese browns.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Potatoes

This versatile gluten-free scalloped potato gratin pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses, making it suitable for both elaborate feasts and simple family dinners. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable meal:

Holiday Feasts: A classic pairing, these potatoes are magnificent alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, or a succulent roasted chicken. They offer a comforting counterpoint to rich holiday meats.
Weeknight Dinners: For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve with pan-seared pork chops, baked salmon, or a hearty vegetarian main like mushroom loaf.
Brunch Perfection: Elevate your brunch spread by serving this gratin alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a savory and indulgent option.
Green Companions: Always consider adding a fresh element. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli provides a welcome balance to the rich potatoes.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Side Dishes

Looking to round out your meal with other fantastic gluten-free options? Explore these easy and healthy side dishes that complement almost any main course:

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Skinny Carrot Fries
How To Cook Sweet Potato In The Air Fryer
White Bean Salad with Easy Vinaigrette
Chick-fil-A Coleslaw Recipe
Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes

Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or simply seeking a comforting dish to brighten your week, these Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes are an outstanding choice. With their tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, they promise a culinary experience that’s both simple to prepare and profoundly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor, convenience, and dietary needs. We invite you to try it, savor every bite, and share your delightful experiences!