Potatoes Au Gratin is one of those dishes that instantly brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. If you’ve never tried making it before, you’re in for a treat! Imagine golden, crispy edges with creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with family. This recipe showcases simple steps, making it pretty straightforward, even for inexperienced cooks. Plus, there’s something magical about the aroma of melted cheese wafting through the house.
Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delicious adventure. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! In no time, you’ll have a bubbling dish of Potatoes Au Gratin that will impress your guests and warm your heart. So grab your apron, and let’s get cookin’!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe achieves perfect Potatoes Au Gratin by balancing creaminess and texture. The thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly, absorbing the cheesy goodness while maintaining a slight firmness. The creamy cheese sauce adds rich flavor, harmonizing with the subtle sweetness of the onions. Each layer of potatoes helps to create a savory dish that never feels heavy.
Also, using whole milk ensures the sauce remains velvety without becoming greasy. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy sauce creates a harmony that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Simply put, it’s a comforting classic every time!
Why You’ll Love This Potatoes Au Gratin
There’s a beauty in simplicity, and Potatoes Au Gratin is proof of that. It embraces rich, bold flavors while being easy enough for a busy weeknight. The step-by-step process encourages you to get creative, and the end result is downright satisfying. Imagine digging into layers of creamy, cheesy goodness that seamlessly blend together. Plus, this dish is extremely versatile; it pairs wonderfully with various proteins and sides, making it perfect for any occasion.
On top of that, the crisp, golden top adds that final touch of perfection. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal, Potatoes Au Gratin will make you feel right at home!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (approximately 8-10 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- Parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Start by Melting Butter and Onions
First, let’s create a luscious cheese sauce. Start by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the ½ diced yellow onion. You want to cook the onions just enough to soften them, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor, creating a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Creating the Roux
Next, sprinkle in ½ cup of all-purpose flour along with the 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything together, cooking for about 1 minute while whisking continuously. This roux acts as a thickener, giving your cheese sauce that creamy, dreamy texture we all love.
Whisking in the Milk
Now, slowly drizzle in 3 cups of room-temperature whole milk while whisking constantly. Be gentle here; you want to avoid any lumps forming. Continue cooking this mixture for about 5-8 minutes, whisking until it thickens. The result should be a beautiful, creamy sauce that you could honestly drink straight!
Incorporating the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix it in until melted, which should take about 30 to 60 seconds. This is when the magic happens; your cheese sauce is ready!
Assembling the Potatoes Au Gratin
Layering the Potatoes
Now comes the fun part! Carefully arrange the thinly sliced russet potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You want to fan them out in a single layer, almost overlapping slightly. It’s like creating a beautiful potato mosaic!
Adding the Cheese Sauce
Once the potatoes are arranged, pour that creamy cheese sauce evenly over the first layer. Make sure every potato slice is coated in cheese! Lastly, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. This will create that irresistible crust we all crave.
Baking the Dish
Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F. Allow it to bake for around 60 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow baking lets the flavors mingle and the texture develop.
Broiling for a Golden Finish
Finally, remove the foil and set your oven to broil. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as this step can go from beautifully browned to burnt in seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Once your beautiful Potatoes Au Gratin is out of the oven, serve it hot and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread, creating a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Slices: Make sure your potatoes are sliced uniformly for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can help if you have one handy.
- Let Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese sauce set properly, making it easier to serve.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try experimenting with different cheese blends! Gruyère or mozzarella can create a new twist on this classic dish. You can also add cooked bacon or sautéed leeks to boost those flavors, making it even more delicious.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big if!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is a breeze; just pop it in the oven or microwave, and it’ll be just as tasty as the first time!
Pairing Ideas
Potatoes Au Gratin pairs marvelously with roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli. Each bite of cheesy potato complements these dishes while creating a balanced meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make Potatoes Au Gratin in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and place it in the refrigerator. Bake right before serving for the best results.
2. Can I use other types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, feel free to experiment with Yukon Golds for a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and you’re good to go!
4. How long does it take to bake Potatoes Au Gratin?
It typically takes about 60 minutes to become fork-tender, plus an additional 2-3 minutes to broil for a crispy, golden top.
5. What can I do with leftover Potatoes Au Gratin?
Leftovers are perfect as a hearty snack or reheated as a delicious side dish.
Potatoes Au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food, bringing creamy, cheesy goodness to your dinner table. With its rich flavors and warm textures, this dish is sure to delight family and friends alike. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, the combination of perfectly cooked potatoes and melty cheese always leaves everyone wanting more. Embrace the joy of cooking with this timeless recipe and share unforgettable moments around the table.
Print
Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting and cheesy dish, showcasing tender layers of russet potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a velvety sauce that’s simple to prepare.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (approximately 8-10 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté onions for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened for 5-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar until melted.
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish and pour cheese sauce over them.
- Top with remaining shredded cheese and cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for about 60 minutes until fork-tender.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden top.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline slicer if available.
Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 60
