Rich, creamy and filling, scalloped potatoes are the gold standard when it comes to comfort food. From tweaking the flavor to tips for leftovers, here are tricks to boost them from basic to brilliant.
9 Genius Ways to Make Better Scalloped Potatoes
![A steaming casserole of Never Fail Scalloped Potatoes](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Never-Fail-Scalloped-Potatoes_EXPS_SDFM18_36985_D10_03_2b.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Get Spicy
Spice up a basic recipe for scalloped potatoes with a can of chopped green chilies. Add the chilies between the layers of potatoes, cheese and sauce for a zippy side dish.
![instant potatoes and peper](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_459022651.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Bulk Up
Would you like your scalloped potatoes to have a thicker consistency and richer potato taste? Use instant potatoes instead of flour as a thickening agent.
![A casserole filled with Easy Scalloped Potatoes](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/exps189079_TH153344D06_12_7b.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Add Veggies
Boost the nutrition value and add a little color to your scalloped potatoes by mixing in shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
Add cabbage and carrots the next time you make Super Simple Scalloped Potatoes.
![A jar of Annie's Original Salsa](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Annie-s-Original-Salsa_EXPS_THCA18_175644_B01_05_2b.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Do the Salsa
Give your scalloped potatoes a southwest flair by adding a pinch of dried rosemary and a couple tablespoons of salsa.
![](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mushroom-Gruyere-Scalloped-Potatoes_exps141445_THCA143053D08_30__5b.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Boost the Flavor
A few sliced mushrooms and some dried minced onion add extra flavor and depth to basic scalloped potatoes. Use dried minced onion in place of the shallots in this recipe for Potato and Mushroom Gratin to save yourself a little time chopping.
![fresh corn cream soup](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_65025910.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Get Corny
If your scalloped potatoes recipe calls for more milk than you have on hand, add in some cream-style corn. Combine it with the milk you have and layer it with the potatoes, onions and flour. Your scalloped potatoes will taste rich and slightly sweet.
![Potato chips in an over-filled bowl](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/this-is-why-potato-chips-are-so-addictive-407805769-Jiri-Hera.jpg?fit=700%2C467)
The Finishing Touch
For added texture and delightful crunch, use crushed potato chips or french-fried onion rings as a topping for your scalloped potatoes.
A crunchy topping would be delicious on this recipe for Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes.
![A bowl of Quick Potato Corn Chowder](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Quick-Potato-Corn-Chowder_exps158873_TH2379800B05_03_1bC_RMS-2.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Make Soup
Leftover scalloped potatoes? Add the extras to corn chowder for a more filling and flavorful dish. For an easy weeknight soup, combine the leftover potatoes with milk, chicken bouillon and grated carrots in a saucepan. Sprinkle in some parsley and let everything simmer for 20 minutes.
![boy washing dishes in the kitchen](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_558014146.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Easy Cleanup
Reduce the pile of dirty dishes and save on cleanup time by mixing all the ingredients for your scalloped potatoes right in a greased casserole dish. Start with the dry ingredients, mix in the liquids, then add the remaining ingredients.