Description
These Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy, and garlicky cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or as a decadent side to any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced, about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup additional shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes evenly (use a mandoline for best results).
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the cream and milk, whisking to combine.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and add cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Au Gratin Potatoes
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle with half of the onions (if using) and pour half of the cheese sauce over the top.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
4. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Want extra crunch? Add buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking.
- Prefer a deeper flavor? Swap cheddar for aged Gruyère or smoked Gouda.
- Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.