There’s nothing quite as comforting as a dish of warm, cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes fresh out of the oven! Thinly sliced russet potatoes are layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more melty goodness, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner. If you love indulgent, cheesy potatoes, you’ll definitely want to try our Scalloped Sweet Potatoes too!
What Are Au Gratin Potatoes?
Au Gratin Potatoes (or Potatoes Au Gratin or Cheesy Potatoes) are often compared to scalloped potatoes, as both consist of sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce. However, the key difference is the addition of cheese in the sauce No matter what you call them, these cheesy potatoes deserve a spot on your holiday table for Thanksgiving, Easter, or even a comforting weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best due to their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce and ensures a tender bite. Yukon Golds are a great alternative.
- Onions: Yellow onions add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a smooth, creamy sauce. Lower-fat milk (1% or skim) may cause curdling. Be sure to use room-temperature milk for best results.
- Cheese: The star of the dish! Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Tips for Perfectly Sliced Potatoes
The key to a beautiful and evenly cooked potato dish is uniform slices. Use a mandoline slicer to achieve consistently thin potato rounds. Avoid slicing them over a bowl, as this can cause them to separate. Instead, slice directly onto a cutting board and neatly stack the rounds for easy layering.
Au Gratin vs. Scalloped Potatoes: What’s the Difference?
While both dishes involve sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, there are two main differences:
- Cheese: Scalloped potatoes are traditionally made with a simple cream-based sauce, while au gratin potatoes include cheese in the sauce and often on top.
- Slice Thickness: Scalloped potatoes are typically cut thicker, which gives them a more robust texture.
Can You Freeze Au Gratin Potatoes?
Yes! Once baked, let the dish cool completely (no more than 2 hours at room temperature). Transfer leftovers to a labeled, airtight, freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
This is the ultimate cheesy, comforting side dish that pairs well with just about any meal. Whether served on a special occasion or as a cozy weeknight treat, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, about 8-10 medium, rinsed, peeled, and thinly sliced with a mandoline
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and cook the diced onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly drizzle in the milk, whisking constantly. Continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds. Set aside.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, keeping the shape of each potato together and fanning them out into a single layer.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
This recipe is adapted from Iambaker’s Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
More Tasty Side Dishes
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Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
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