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There’s just something magical about a pan of bubbly, golden potatoes layered with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a cozy Sunday dinner, or a little indulgence on a weeknight, these Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes hit all the right notes. Growing up, this was my mom’s go-to dish for special occasions, and I swear, the moment it came out of the oven, everyone crowded around for a slice of that melty, crispy perfection.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible, these Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are IT.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples that deliver big flavor.
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Melted cheese and a velvety sauce coat every slice of potato for the ultimate comfort food.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Prepare in advance and bake when ready for an easy entertaining win.
- Customizable: Use different cheese combos, add bacon, or play with spices to make it your own.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture helps the layers hold up without getting mushy.
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: This duo makes the sauce extra rich and creamy.
- Cheddar & Gruyère Cheese: Sharp cheddar for a punch of flavor, and Gruyère for that melt-in-your-mouth factor.
- Garlic & Onion: For a subtle depth of flavor that brings everything together.
- Butter & Flour: The base for our classic roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Nutmeg: A tiny pinch makes all the difference in rounding out the flavors.
Pro Tip: Slice those potatoes evenly! A mandoline slicer is your best friend here to get uniform, thin slices that cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat dry.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheese until smooth.
3. Assemble the Layers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish and place a layer of potatoes at the bottom. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the top, then repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients.
4. Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving—this lets everything set up beautifully.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: It helps the layers firm up so your slices stay intact.
- Want Extra Crispy Edges? Turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
- Use a Mix of Cheeses: Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or even smoked Gouda can add a fun twist.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Protein: Crisp bacon bits or diced ham take this to another level.
- Make It Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce give a spicy kick.
- Pair It With: These potatoes are divine next to a roast chicken, steak, or even a simple green salad.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I freeze Au Gratin Potatoes?
Yes, but the texture may soften a bit. Freeze before baking, then thaw in the fridge and bake as usual.
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in half the cheese.
- Layer potatoes in the baking dish, adding cheese sauce between each layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
There you have it! The ultimate cheesy, creamy, and crispy Au Gratin Potatoes. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments or tag your photos with #TheKitchensAid—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
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