Heavenly Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Golden, creamy, and bubbling with irresistible cheesy potatoes au gratin, this classic side dish promises pure comfort on a plate.

Thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a rich, velvety sauce create a mouthwatering masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

Every layer promises a delightful blend of sharp cheese and tender potato slices.

The crispy, golden-brown top adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky interior.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly simple to make, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions alike call for this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to vanish from the table in minutes.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Potatoes Au Gratin

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy spuds perfect for creating creamy, tender layers with excellent absorption of rich flavors. Choose firm potatoes without sprouting or green patches.
• White Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the potato layers. Select crisp, smooth onions without soft spots or blemishes.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth foundation for the roux and adds rich, velvety texture. Use fresh, high-quality butter for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create silky consistency. Ensure flour is fresh and free from clumps.
• Whole Milk: Provides luxurious, creamy base for the sauce. Select full-fat milk for maximum richness.
• Dijon Mustard Powder: Introduces tangy undertone and enhances cheese flavor. Look for finely ground, fragrant powder.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Deliver complex, nutty, and sharp flavor profile. Choose freshly grated cheeses for superior melting quality and intense taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Elevate and balance overall dish seasoning. Use freshly ground pepper for robust flavor.

Kitchen Equipment for Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin

• Mandoline Slicer: Essential for creating uniform, super-thin potato and onion slices.
• 2.5-3qt Casserole Dish: Perfect size for layering and baking potatoes au gratin.
• Saucepan: Needed for creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Backup for slicing if you don't have a mandoline.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Foil: Used to cover dish during initial baking.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents foil from sticking to the dish.

Instructions for Making Potatoes Au Gratin

• Potato Prep

Scrub those earthy spuds clean and slice them into delicate, almost transparent rounds. Grab a sharp knife and transform the onion into whisper-thin slivers that will melt into cheesy perfection.

• Layering Magic

Create beautiful little potato towers in a buttered baking dish, standing them upright like edible soldiers ready for a creamy adventure. Pack them tightly to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

• Cheese Sauce Alchemy

In a cozy saucepan, dance butter and flour together until they form a silky roux. Splash in milk and spices, whisking with passion until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, bubbling canvas. Fold in rich cheddar and gruyere, watching them melt into liquid gold.

• Baking Transformation

Drape the dish with foil and slide it into a blazing hot oven. Let the potatoes steam and soften for about an hour. Then unveil your creation, allowing the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges that promise irresistible texture.

• Resting Period

Give your masterpiece a short breather after emerging from the oven. This allows the cheesy layers to settle and makes serving a dream. Each bite will be a creamy, dreamy celebration of comfort food.

Enhancements & Variations for Potatoes Au Gratin

• Creative twists for classic potatoes au gratin that will elevate your dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, fontina, or sharp white cheddar to transform the flavor profile and add depth to your classic recipe.
• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms between potato layers for added texture and robust taste that makes the dish more substantial and exciting.
• Fold fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cheese sauce to introduce bright, aromatic notes that complement the rich, creamy potatoes and enhance overall complexity.
• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the final bake for a delightful golden-brown crust that adds irresistible crunch and visual appeal to your potatoes au gratin.

How to Serve Up Potatoes Au Gratin Right

• Hearty Main Course Partner: Pair this creamy potatoes au gratin with roasted herb-crusted chicken or tender beef roast for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Elegant Side Companion: Serve alongside grilled salmon or pan-seared pork chops to create a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and dinner guests with minimal extra effort.
• Fresh Vegetable Balance: Add a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy potato dish and create a well-rounded plate.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Complement the potatoes' creamy texture and cheesy flavor with a medium-bodied white wine like chardonnay or a light pinot noir that enhances the dish's subtle complexity.

Best Storage Method for Potatoes Au Gratin

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover potatoes au gratin in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The creamy cheese sauce might separate slightly, but a quick reheat will restore its delicious texture.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore crispy top edges by placing in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
• Freezer Friendly Stash: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen potatoes au gratin stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate unbaked, then pop directly into the oven when ready to cook. This technique helps develop deeper flavor profiles and saves precious dinner preparation time.

Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy potatoes au gratin deliver rich cheesy comfort with layers of sliced potatoes and melted cheese. Crisp golden edges and silky interior invite hungry diners to savor each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) red potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 3 tbsps butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 400°F, creating the perfect environment for a golden, bubbling potato dish.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Slice potatoes and onions into delicate, uniformly thin discs using a mandoline, ensuring even cooking and elegant presentation.
3. Layer Ingredients: Artfully arrange potato and onion slices vertically in a greased casserole dish, creating a visually appealing and flavorful foundation.
4. Craft Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook until fragrant. Incorporate mustard powder, gradually add milk, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Finalize Sauce: Remove from heat and blend in cheddar and gruyere cheeses until the sauce becomes a glossy, creamy mixture.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour cheese sauce over the layered potatoes, ensuring complete coverage. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 20-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce set before presenting this decadent potato gratin.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline for consistently thin potato and onion slices to ensure even cooking and a professional texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Foil Protection Strategy: Cover with foil during initial baking to steam potatoes, then uncover to achieve a golden-brown crispy top.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dish to rest 15 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and sauce slightly set for easier serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg