Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for comfort and elegance. This timeless recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday feasts or family dinners, this dish delivers irresistible flavor in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps with impressive results.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A favorite at holiday gatherings and dinner parties.
- Customizable: Swap the cheeses or add herbs to suit your taste.
What You Need to Make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You can find the full list of ingredients with measurements in the recipe card below. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Golden potatoes: For tender, perfectly cooked layers.
- Cheese blend: A mix of sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for rich flavor.
- Milk and butter: The base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
How To Make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
1
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Slice the Potatoes
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness for even cooking. Use a mandolin slicer for consistency.
3
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a pot, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, along with seasonings, and stir until creamy.
4
Layer the Dish
Add a layer of potatoes to the baking dish, spooning cheese sauce between layers. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese and thyme as you go.
5
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 1 minute for a crisp topping.
6
Serve
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection!
Commonly Asked Questions
What’s the best type of potato for Au Gratin Potatoes?
Golden potatoes, like Yukon Gold, are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor. Russets work too but may require more careful slicing due to their higher starch content.
Can I make Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.
How do I get a golden, crispy top?
Broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Fontina, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great substitutes or additions for a unique flavor profile.
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 6 packed cups golden potatoes peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick; about 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste; recommended: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk (divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or 2-quart) baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Slice the Potatoes
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness (use a mandolin slicer for best results). Measure 6 tightly packed cups of sliced potatoes.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large nonstick pot, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté till fragrant. Whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly add in 1 cup milk and bring to a slight simmer.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce heat and add in salt & pepper and thyme. Stir until it thickens. Stir in cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of guyere cheese until smooth.
- Add in potatoes to combine.
- In a 9×9, grease, and layer potatoes, guyere cheese, black pepper, and continue to the top.
- Top with more thyme.
- Cover with foil and bake on 350 for 1 hour – 1.5. Check to see if potatoes are tender after and hour. Cool until they are tender with a fork.
- Once they are tender remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden or bubbly. Broil for 1 minute at the end if need bit but make sure to watch it doesn’t burn!
