Let’s make some Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe! I can’t wait to share this family favorite with you. It’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for at potlucks and holiday dinners.
I remember the first time I made this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. It was for a family get-together, and I was so nervous. I wanted to impress everyone with my cooking skills.
Well, the Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe was a hit! The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender potatoes were a match made in heaven. From that day on, it became a staple in our meal rotation.
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is special because it brings people together. There’s something about sharing a warm, comforting dish that makes everyone feel happy and connected. Now, let’s get started so you can make this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe for your own family!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. I’ve kept the ingredient list simple so it is as easy as possible for you.
- 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: I prefer Yukon gold potatoes because they have a creamy texture that works really well in this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: The onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor to the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter is essential for creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The flour helps to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- 3 cups milk: I recommend using whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Pepper adds a touch of spice to the Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese gives this dish a classic cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that elevates the Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
You’ll find everything you need for this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe at your regular grocery store. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. My family prefers a cheesier dish, so I sometimes add a little extra.
If you don’t have Gruyere cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or Fontina cheese. The most important thing is to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor. Now, let’s move on to the instructions for making this delicious Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe!
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to make the best Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. It’s easier than you think!
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe cooks evenly.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t burn.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux, and it’s essential for thickening the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. This creates the creamy, cheesy sauce that makes this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Overlap the slices slightly.
- Top with a layer of sliced onions. Spread the onions evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Make sure the sauce covers everything evenly.
- Repeat layers of potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce twice more, ending with a layer of cheese sauce. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know your Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is ready when a fork easily pierces through the potatoes.
- Let the Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe typically takes me about an hour and a half from start to finish, including prep time. While your Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare the rest of your meal or simply relax and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe cooks, trust me.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe – I now always remember to slice the potatoes evenly. Uneven slices will lead to uneven cooking. Now, you’re ready to bake the casserole. Follow the instructions, and you will have the most delicious Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe!
Serving Ideas
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is so versatile and pairs well with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
- As a side dish for a holiday dinner: This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is a classic addition to any holiday feast. It’s especially delicious with ham, turkey, or roast beef.
- Alongside grilled meats: The creamy, cheesy flavor of this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe complements grilled steaks, chicken, or pork perfectly.
- With a simple salad: For a lighter meal, serve this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe with a fresh green salad. The contrast of flavors and textures is wonderful.
- As a potluck dish: This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is always a hit at potlucks. It’s easy to transport and can be served warm or at room temperature.
- With roasted vegetables: This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe comes out with grilled steak and a side of asparagus. It’s a truly satisfying meal.
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. My family loves this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe so much. I sometimes make a double batch so we have leftovers for lunch the next day. If your family loves this recipe, they’ll also enjoy ravioli soup. Find the recipe here: https://momsgate.com/ravioli-soup
Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe:
Yes, you can! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure the potatoes are cooked through. I will say though, there is nothing like having this fresh out of the oven!
No problem! You can substitute it with Swiss cheese, Fontina cheese, or even provolone cheese. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.
While I prefer Yukon gold potatoes, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Russet potatoes will give you a starchier result, while red potatoes will be slightly waxier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and sauce may change when thawed. For best results, make it fresh.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, cooked bacon, or chopped ham to the dish. Just add them in layers along with the potatoes and onions.
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. Whisk well to combine.
Yes, you can leave out the onions if your family doesn’t like them. However, I find that they add a nice flavor to the dish.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
These are some of the most common questions I get asked about this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking and make it your own!
The Final Word
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender potatoes are a match made in heaven.
- Slice the potatoes evenly: This ensures that they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg: It adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
- Use high-quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor of the dish.
Some variations I’ve tried with success include adding cooked bacon, ham, or mushrooms to the dish. My son loves it when I add bacon, while my daughter prefers it with mushrooms.
I hope your family loves this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe as much as mine does. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
For another amazing side dish idea, check out this Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe: https://momsgate.com/christmas-tree-charcuterie-board. Or, if you are looking for a creamy soup option, try this chicken alfredo soup recipe: https://momsgate.com/chicken-alfredo-soup.
This easy au gratin potatoes recipe makes the perfect cheesy potato bake. If you want to check out other delicious creamy potato gratin recipes, Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes | Ambitious Kitchen is a great option. You can also find a delicious cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe here Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe | I Am Baker. For a perfectly creamy au gratin potatoes recipe, check out this one PERFECT Au Gratin Potatoes – The Daring Gourmet.
I encourage you to make it your own and adjust it to your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices. Most of all, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal for your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
This Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until golden brown and bubbly. It’s the perfect comforting side dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese and 3/4 cup cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Top with remaining Gruyere and cheddar cheese, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.