When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can compete with Cheesy au Gratin Potatoes. Rich, creamy, and bubbling with golden cheese, this casserole-style side dish transforms simple potatoes into something truly indulgent. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a cozy family meal, au gratin potatoes bring warmth, flavor, and elegance to the table.
What Are Au Gratin Potatoes?
The term au gratin refers to a culinary technique of baking a dish topped with cheese, breadcrumbs, or both, until golden brown and crisp. In the case of potatoes au gratin, thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a casserole dish and baked in a creamy sauce, often with garlic, butter, and a generous amount of cheese.
The result? Tender potatoes enveloped in a silky, cheesy sauce with a perfectly browned crust on top—a side dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds (about 4 medium) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
4. Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the top. Layer the remaining potatoes and cover with the rest of the sauce.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20–30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~360
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fiber: 3g
This is a hearty, indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with lean proteins like roast chicken, ham, or steak.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Holiday Centerpiece: Place the bubbling au gratin potatoes in a white or cast-iron baking dish and sprinkle with extra parsley for a festive look.
- Weeknight Comfort: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork chops with a simple green salad.
- Buffet Style: Slice into neat squares for easy serving at potlucks or family gatherings.
- Elevated Touch: Garnish with caramelized onions or crispy bacon crumbles for added flavor and texture.
Variations to Try
- Gruyère Twist: Swap cheddar for Gruyère cheese for a nutty, French-inspired flavor.
- Loaded Au Gratin: Top with crumbled bacon, scallions, and a dollop of sour cream for a “loaded baked potato” twist.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the cheese for a lighter dish.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add thin layers of spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers between the potato slices.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute cornstarch for flour in the sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Tips for Success
- Use a Mandoline: For evenly thin potato slices (about 1/8 inch), a mandoline slicer makes prep quick and precise.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon golds hold their shape well and offer a buttery flavor, while russets create a creamier texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest ensures the sauce thickens and the layers stay intact when sliced.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake when ready.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy au Gratin Potatoes
This dish is the definition of comfort food with elegance. It takes humble potatoes and elevates them into a creamy, cheesy, irresistible casserole that pleases both kids and adults alike. From Sunday suppers to holiday dinners, it’s a side that always draws attention—and requests for seconds.
The combination of tender potatoes, velvety sauce, and gooey cheese makes every bite indulgent, yet balanced enough to pair with many main dishes.
Cheesy au Gratin Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and golden crust, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again—whether for special occasions or comforting family meals.
So grab your potatoes, cheese, and casserole dish, and bake up a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. One slice of this bubbling, cheesy perfection, and you’ll understand why au gratin potatoes are a timeless classic.