I still remember the first time I tasted the famous Blue Bayou scalloped potatoes at Disneyland. The rich, creamy texture combined with just the right amount of seasoning left me completely captivated. I knew immediately that I wanted to recreate this comforting dish in my own kitchen, so I could enjoy that magical flavor anytime. Every time I prepare it, I feel a little of that Disneyland charm in my home, and it never fails to impress family and friends.

What makes this recipe truly irresistible is how creamy and flavorful it is without being overwhelming. Each slice of potato absorbs the sauce perfectly, creating layers of soft, velvety goodness. The combination of tender potatoes, savory turkey bacon, and aromatic herbs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You will love this recipe for its comforting flavors, simple ingredients, and the nostalgic feeling it brings with every bite.

One of the best things about these scalloped potatoes is their versatility. They can serve as a star side dish for holiday meals, a cozy dinner accompaniment, or even a hearty lunch when paired with a fresh salad. You can easily adjust the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or a touch of cheese to make it uniquely yours. It’s a recipe that adapts beautifully to your personal taste and family favorites.

In addition to being versatile, this recipe is surprisingly affordable. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in most grocery stores. You don’t need any specialty items, which means you can create a dish that tastes luxurious without spending a fortune. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, festive dinners, or anytime you want a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients for Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Scalloped Potatoes:

6–8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing these scalloped potatoes is easier than it seems, and with the right steps, you can achieve the same creamy, flavorful dish that Disneyland is famous for. The key is to take your time with each layer, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking for your potatoes.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Turkey Bacon: Place the turkey bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, then remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Layer the Potatoes: Begin layering the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the sauce over the first layer, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese if using, and add a few crumbles of turkey bacon. Repeat this process until all potatoes, sauce, and bacon are layered, finishing with a sauce layer on top.
Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

This recipe is quick and easy once you have your ingredients prepped. The steps are straightforward, and the layering technique allows the flavors to build naturally, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

It is also customizable. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle depth of flavor, or include different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella to create a unique twist. For a lighter option, swap whole milk for a lower-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative, and it will still remain creamy and delicious.

These scalloped potatoes are popular with many people because they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Whether served at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or casual weekend meal, this dish always draws compliments and second servings. The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon create a combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Blue Bayou Scalloped Potatoes

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Disneyland’s Blue Bayou scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish with layers of tender potatoes, savory turkey bacon, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, this dish combines simplicity with indulgence for a crowd-pleasing result.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 70
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 1x

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until thickened.
Begin layering potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of sauce over the first layer, sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, and add some crumbled turkey bacon.
Repeat the layering process until all potatoes, sauce, and bacon are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure uniform cooking.

Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Customize with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the scalloped potatoes a day in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

2. Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Yukon Gold potatoes work well as they have a creamy texture and hold their shape nicely. Russet potatoes remain traditional for the classic Disneyland flavor.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The creamy consistency will remain delicious.

4. How do I make it extra cheesy?
Sprinkle an additional ½–1 cup of shredded cheese between layers or on top before the final bake. Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella are all excellent options.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, scalloped potatoes freeze well. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through, covered with foil to retain moisture.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter in place of the dairy ingredients. The sauce will remain creamy and flavorful while keeping it dairy-free.