This hearty dish combines thinly sliced potatoes with rich, creamy sauce, and a generous topping of melted cheese, baked to golden perfection.
This hearty dish is comfort food at its best! Whether it’s for a casual dinner at home, a bountiful holiday feast, or an addition to a potluck table, you can’t go wrong with cheesy potatoes. And making this classic is super simple!
What Kind of Potatoes for Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?
When it comes to making delicious Au Gratin potatoes, selecting the right variety is key to achieving that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I highly recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These starchy types are perfect for thickening the sauce while ensuring your final dish is soft and tender. It's best to avoid waxy potatoes as they won't break down as well during cooking.
What to Serve With Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
This hearty side dish pairs perfectly with traditional favorites like Classic Homemade Meatloaf and Lemon Thyme Garlic Roasted Chicken
Helpful Tips
Using a mandolin can help you achieve consistent slices, ideally between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick. This attention to detail ensures every bite is perfectly cooked and oh-so-satisfying!
The heavy cream should coat all the potatoes evenly to ensure they don’t dry out.
Don’t presoak the potatoes. Soaking them will cause them to lose some of their starch, which helps to keep this dish creamy.
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Ingredients
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for another minute until it forms a paste.
Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, for approximately 5 minutes.
Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg (if using).
Remove the saucepan from heat and add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
How to Make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Ahead of Time
This dish can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply prepare as directed, wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the baking dish to come to room temperature before placing it into a preheated 375°F oven.
How to Store Leftover Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Freeze Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Bake as directed and allow to cool completely. Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap. Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Allow baking dish to come to room temperature before baking in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
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