Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are a rich, indulgent side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. Made with tender potato slices layered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a warm and satisfying side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Creamy: Each bite is loaded with velvety, cheesy goodness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A side dish that’s always a hit at the dinner table.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the cheese blend or add extras like bacon or onions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
- Slice Potatoes: Peel (optional) and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Use a mandoline for even slices if available.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Cook Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create a Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake:
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Add Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining potato slices and top with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Serve:
Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Bacon Lovers: Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Veggie Additions: Include thinly sliced onions or sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
- Alternative Cheeses: Swap in Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked au gratin potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice for their creamy texture, but red potatoes or even sweet potatoes can also work.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?
Use whole milk or heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese.
Do I need to precook the potatoes?
No, slicing the potatoes thinly ensures they cook evenly in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I get a crispy top layer?
Bake uncovered for the last 20-25 minutes and broil for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
What’s the best way to slice potatoes thinly?
Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for consistent, even slices.
Can I add breadcrumbs?
Yes, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top for added crunch.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with roast chicken, ham, steak, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Conclusion
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender potatoes, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden-bubbly topping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, serve it with a hearty main course, and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of this timeless classic!
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Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce make this dish perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). Use a mandoline slicer for even slices, if available.
Step 2: Make the cheese sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Layer the potatoes and sauce
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, ensuring all slices are coated.
Step 4: Add the topping
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese (if using) over the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the au gratin potatoes
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Variations: Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.