Irresistible Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy potatoes au gratin that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between rich, melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience.

Every forkful delivers a perfectly balanced blend of crispy edges and velvety smooth center.

The golden-brown top hints at the delectable textures waiting beneath.

Sharp cheddar and creamy gruyère mingle to produce an extraordinary side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Bubbling with flavor and warmth, these potatoes will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular celebration of comfort and indulgence.

Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Potatoes

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for a mouthwatering potato adventure.

• Dish Setup

Grab a cozy casserole dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick magic to ensure easy serving later.

• Potato Magic

Scrub those spuds clean and slice them into delicate, paper-thin rounds that will melt in your mouth.

• Onion Elegance

Finely chop the onions into whisper-thin pieces that will add a subtle, sweet backdrop to the creamy masterpiece.

• Layering Technique

Create beautiful potato stacks, standing them upright like delicious soldiers in your waiting dish.

• Cheese Sauce Creation

Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour until it transforms into a golden dream, then blend in milk and seasonings until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

• Cheese Finale

Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the potato landscape, ensuring every slice gets a loving coating.

• Baking Journey

Cover the dish and let it bake for an hour, then uncover to create a golden, crispy top that will make taste buds dance.

• Resting Period

Allow the dish to settle for a few minutes, letting the layers harmonize and create a spectacular potato experience ready to be devoured.

Baking Tips for Perfect Creamy Layers

• Potato Power Boost: Mix in diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or cooked chicken for a protein-packed meal that transforms this side dish into a hearty main course.
• Herb Garden Magic: Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives between potato layers to add bright, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Crispy Top Trick: For an extra-crunchy golden surface, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the final cheese layer before the last baking period, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips for a lighter version that still delivers incredible creamy, cheesy goodness without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Tips for Cheesy Potato Bake

• Hearty Meat Pairing: Complement these creamy potatoes with roasted beef tenderloin or grilled herb-crusted chicken. The rich, cheesy flavors beautifully enhance the protein's savory profile.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this dish into a delightful weekend brunch centerpiece. Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a complete morning feast that will impress family and friends.
• Side Dish Sensation: Perfect alongside roasted turkey, grilled salmon, or classic meatloaf. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make these potatoes an irresistible companion to many main courses.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle some chopped chives or fresh parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh touch and subtle herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.

How to Store Potatoes Au Gratin

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap and storing in the refrigerator. Remove from cold storage 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the uncooked or cooked casserole securely in double layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a light sprinkle of extra cheese on top to refresh the crispy golden surface and enhance flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 80-90 minutes

Total Time: 100-110 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin

• Red Potatoes: Creamy, waxy potatoes that hold their shape perfectly during baking, offering a tender and smooth texture with delightful earthy undertones.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and sharp flavor foundation, providing depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce with its luxurious meltability.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a silky, velvety texture.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Introduces a subtle tangy kick and enhances the overall cheese flavor profile.
• Milk: Delivers a smooth, luscious liquid base that transforms into a decadent sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Melt into a golden, bubbling blanket of intense, nutty, and sharp cheesy goodness that brings irresistible comfort and richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Elevate and balance the entire dish's flavor, bringing out the natural tastes of all ingredients.

Tools Required for Potatoes Au Gratin

• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing potatoes and onions uniformly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for precise vegetable preparation.
• Mandoline Slicer (Optional): Helps create consistent ⅛-inch potato slices quickly.
• Large Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending flour, milk, and creating a lump-free sauce.
• 2.5-3 Quart Casserole Dish: Ideal size for layering and baking potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred cheese for a smooth, melty sauce.

Irresistible Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 100-110 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty potatoes au gratin combine layers of sliced potatoes with rich, melted cheese and cream. Comfort cuisine from France delivers pure satisfaction for those craving indulgent side dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) red potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup (113 g) gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (473 ml) milk
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) flour
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dry mustard powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and generously grease a 2.5-3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Potato Preparation: Thoroughly wash potatoes and slice into translucent ⅛-inch rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife, creating uniform, delicate pieces.
3. Layering Foundation: Construct an elegant accordion-like arrangement of potato slices in the casserole, strategically interweaving thin onion rings between each layer to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Sauce Creation: In a heavy saucepan, develop a golden roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until achieving a nutty, fragrant base, then smoothly incorporate dry mustard, milk, salt, and pepper to craft a silky sauce.
5. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat and gently fold in shredded cheeses, stirring until achieving a glossy, fully integrated mixture that coats each potato slice luxuriously.
6. Initial Baking Phase: Cover dish with greased foil and bake for 60 minutes, allowing potatoes to steam and become tender, creating a foundational softness.
7. Final Browning: Uncover the gratin and return to oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, developing a rich golden-brown surface and ensuring potatoes are completely soft when tested with a fork.
8. Resting Period: Allow gratin to rest 15-20 minutes, permitting layers to settle and sauce to slightly thicken, enhancing overall texture and flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Slice Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/8-inch potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk butter and flour carefully to develop a golden, nutty base without burning, which creates the foundation for a silky smooth sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a glossy, perfectly blended mixture.
• Resting Magic: Allow the gratin to rest 15-20 minutes after baking, letting layers settle and sauce thicken for optimal texture and flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg