Easy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe: Creamy Cheesy Comfort Classic

Creamy, cheesy potatoes au gratin bring comfort to any dinner table with their rich, golden-brown goodness.

Slicing through tender layers of this classic potatoes au gratin recipe reveals a delightful blend of melted cheese and perfectly cooked potatoes.

Each forkful promises a delectable experience that warms the soul.

Crisp edges contrast beautifully with the soft, velvety interior of this timeless side dish.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the decadent combination of sharp cheddar and smooth cream.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible potato perfection.

Easy Potatoes au Gratin: Creamy Batch Features

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a classic dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen stress.
• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish that comes together quickly and impresses everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add herbs, or include bacon to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike with its creamy texture and irresistible golden-brown cheese topping.

Potatoes au Gratin Ingredient List

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the hearty base of this classic side dish.
• Cheese: Provides rich, creamy flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

• Butter, Garlic: Provide a rich, aromatic foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.
• Seasonings: Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Additional Cheese: Creates a crispy, golden-brown topping when broiled.

Steps for Rich, Golden Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Create Creamy Cheese Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden.

• Heavy cream
• Flour mixture
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Fold in shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Layers

Generously grease a baking dish with butter.

Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.

• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Dried thyme

Ensure potatoes are evenly distributed and compact.

Step 3: Drench Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

Pour the luxurious cheese sauce evenly over the potato layers.

Use a spatula to spread sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of all potato slices.

Step 4: Initial Baking Process

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Place in a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the rich sauce.

Step 5: Create Golden Crispy Topping

Remove foil from the dish.

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the surface.

Return to oven and bake uncovered for 5 minutes.

Switch oven to broil setting and cook for 3-5 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Tips for Creamy, Layered Potatoes

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into even, thin slices for consistent cooking and a professional look.
• Butter the baking dish generously to ensure easy serving and prevent potatoes from clinging to the bottom.
• Mix sharp cheddar with gruyère for a rich, complex flavor that elevates the classic dish.
• Layer salt, pepper, and herbs between potato layers to infuse maximum taste throughout the gratin.
• Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and make cutting easier.

Variations for Cheesy Potato Lovers

• Vegan Potato Casserole: Replace dairy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and swap butter for olive oil.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gratin: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, keeping the same cheese sauce and baking method.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the cheese sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-style version.
• Spicy Southwestern Gratin: Mix in diced green chiles, sprinkle smoked paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Serving Ideas for Potatoes au Gratin

• Cheesy Sidekick Sensation: Pair this creamy potato dish with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme on top just before serving to add bright flavor and beautiful green color contrast.
• Elegant Brunch Wonder: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad and quiche for a sophisticated weekend breakfast or brunch gathering that impresses guests.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the oven to maintain crispy edges, or transform cold leftovers into a delicious potato pancake by pan-frying with a bit of extra cheese.

Storing Potatoes au Gratin for Reheating

• Store remaining potatoes au gratin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen potatoes au gratin can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed potatoes in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain creamy texture. Add a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

• What kind of potatoes work best for au gratin?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have high starch content, which helps create a creamy, smooth texture and holds the sauce well.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes au gratin up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• How do I prevent my sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?

Slowly add cheese to the warm sauce, stirring constantly. Use room temperature cheese and avoid high heat to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Easy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy potatoes au gratin deliver comfort on a plate, blending rich cheese and tender potato slices into a golden, irresistible side dish. Hearty and satisfying, this classic French recipe invites you to savor each indulgent, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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Potatoes au Gratin Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese (1 cup for sauce, 1 cup for topping)

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon softened butter (for dish)
• Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crush garlic and melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, releasing aromatic flavors.
2. Whisk cream with flour, creating a silky base for the sauce, then incorporate seasonings and grated cheese until mixture becomes velvety and smooth.
3. Grease a baking dish with butter, then carefully layer thinly sliced potatoes, sprinkling salt and pepper between each stratum.
4. Gently cascade the creamy cheese sauce over potato layers, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
5. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for approximately 75 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese across the surface, and return to oven for 5 minutes to melt.
7. Switch oven to broil and watch carefully, allowing the top to transform into a golden, crispy crust with caramelized edges, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Rest the gratin for 10 minutes before serving, enabling sauce to set and flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent, thin layers that cook evenly and look professional.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, tender texture in the dish.
• Make ahead by preparing and refrigerating the casserole up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and intensify.
• Customize by adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between potato layers for extra depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg