The Creamiest, Cheesiest Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe Ever

Creamy cheesy potatoes au gratin elevate humble spuds into a luxurious side dish that refines ordinary meals into memorable culinary experiences.

Rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes become a canvas for melting cheese and velvety cream.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the golden, crispy edges that promise delightful textural contrast.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this classic recipe balances rustic ingredients with elegant preparation techniques.

Mediterranean and French culinary traditions inspire this hearty dish that speaks to our deepest comfort food cravings.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe that impresses dinner guests without requiring complex cooking skills.

The result is a decadent, irresistible accompaniment that turns any meal into a celebration.

Pairings That Elevate This Cheesy Side Dish

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve alongside juicy roasted chicken or succulent herb-crusted pork tenderloin to balance the rich, creamy potato dish.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the cheesy, creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
• Fresh and Bright Sidekick: Add a tangy green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, decadent potato gratin, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
• Green Veggie Harmony: Roast some crisp green beans or asparagus with garlic and lemon zest to bring a fresh, light element that brightens the entire plate and adds nutritional balance.

Creative Swaps for the Classic Au Gratin Recipe

• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Elevate the classic recipe by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the cheese sauce. Sprinkle chopped herbs between potato layers for an aromatic and earthy flavor profile.
• Bacon and Cheddar Potato Gratin: Crisp up diced bacon and mix into the cheese sauce. Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor. Sprinkle bacon bits on top before the final baking stage for extra crunch.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Casserole: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. Add a dash of cumin and chili powder to the cheese sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetable-Loaded Potato Gratin: Mix in thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach between potato layers. Use a combination of gruyère and parmesan cheese for a rich, complex flavor that complements the added vegetables.

What Sets Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Apart

• Irresistibly Creamy Comfort: The luscious cheese sauce coats every potato slice, creating a mouthwatering blend of rich, velvety textures that melt in your mouth with pure comfort food magic.
• Brilliantly Layered Perfection: Standing potato slices upright allows for even cooking and maximum cheese sauce absorption, ensuring each bite delivers a harmonious mix of crispy edges and tender centers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This dish works brilliantly as a side for holiday dinners, weeknight family meals, or potluck gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its cheesy, golden-brown goodness.
• Easy Gourmet Technique: The simple yet sophisticated method of creating a homemade cheese sauce transforms basic ingredients into an impressive restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes far more complicated than it actually is.

What You Need to Make Potatoes Au Gratin

• Red Potatoes: Starchy, creamy potatoes that hold their shape well and provide a hearty base for the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to complement the potatoes.

• Butter: Rich, creamy fat that helps create a smooth sauce and adds flavor.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy sauce, ensuring a silky texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheeses that melt beautifully, creating a rich, golden topping with complex flavor.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy kick and enhances the cheese flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Cooking Directions for Creamy Cheesy Layers

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

• Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C)
• Grab a 2.5 to 3-quart baking dish
• Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking

Step 2: Prep Your Veggie Stars

• Scrub potatoes until they shine
• Slice potatoes into paper-thin rounds (about ⅛ inch thick)
• Peel and slice onions into whisper-thin half-moons
• Arrange potato and onion slices in beautiful vertical stacks inside the dish

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Dry mustard
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Assorted shredded cheeses

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat

Sprinkle in flour and cook until it turns a golden blonde

Whisk in remaining sauce ingredients until smooth and velvety

Stir in cheeses until they melt into liquid gold

Step 4: Create Cheesy Magic

• Pour sauce evenly over potato towers
• Cover dish with foil
• Slide into preheated oven
• Bake for 60 minutes

Step 5: Crisp and Brown

• Remove foil
• Bake for another 20-30 minutes
• Watch for golden, crispy top
• Potatoes should be fork-tender

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Let casserole relax for 15 minutes
• This helps layers settle and makes serving easier
• Scoop out generous portions
• Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece

Kitchen Tips for Extra Golden Topping

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange potato and onion slices vertically for maximum cheese sauce coverage and a beautiful presentation.
• Cheese Sauce Secret: Whisk continuously while making the sauce to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with foil during initial baking to protect the top from browning too quickly while ensuring potatoes cook thoroughly.
• Rest and Settle: Let the dish sit for 15 minutes after baking, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to serve perfect, intact portions.

How to Save and Warm Leftover Potatoes

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer leftover potatoes au gratin to an airtight container, ensuring they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Storing Duration: Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining best quality and food safety standards.
• Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Potato lovers rejoice with this classic French side dish of creamy cheesy potatoes au gratin. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld with rich cheese and cream, creating a luxurious comfort dish you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) red potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 1 cup (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup (113 grams) gruyere cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dry mustard powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly coat a 2.5 to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Meticulously scrub potatoes under cool running water, then use a sharp mandoline or knife to create uniform ⅛-inch translucent slices.
3. Carefully dice the onion into delicate, gossamer-thin rings, ensuring consistent width for even cooking.
4. Arrange potato slices vertically in an overlapping, accordion-like pattern within the prepared casserole dish, interspersing onion slices between potato layers.
5. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and golden.
6. Incorporate flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, light roux that develops a nutty aroma without burning.
7. Gradually introduce dry mustard, milk, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a velvety, consistent sauce.
8. Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and blend into a luxurious, glossy mixture.
9. Gently cascade the cheese sauce over the potato and onion arrangement, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated.
10. Cover the dish with lightly greased aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, allowing potatoes to steam and become tender.
11. Uncover the dish and return to the oven, baking an additional 25-30 minutes until the surface turns a rich, golden-brown and potatoes are completely soft when pierced with a fork.
12. Let the gratin rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

• Carefully stacking potatoes vertically maximizes surface area, ensuring each slice gets perfectly crispy and coated with luxurious cheese sauce.
• Letting the dish rest after baking allows flavors to meld and creates a more stable texture, preventing a runny or messy serving experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg