There’s nothing quite like Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes—tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. This dish is comfort food at its finest, perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or when you just need a little extra cheesy goodness in your life. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be finding excuses to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Every bite is rich, decadent, and packed with melty cheese.
- Simple & Comforting – Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – A crowd-pleasing side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable – Add bacon, caramelized onions, or different cheeses for a fun twist.
- Great Make-Ahead Dish – Can be prepped in advance and baked when ready.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistibly good:
- Russet Potatoes – The perfect starchy potato that bakes up tender and creamy.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic – A little minced garlic deepens the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Milk & Heavy Cream – The key to an ultra-luxurious, creamy texture.
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar and Gruyère create the ultimate melty, gooey layers.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Paprika & Nutmeg – A touch of warmth and depth.
- Parmesan Cheese – For a crispy, golden topping.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking.
- Prepare the Potatoes – Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8-inch thick, for the best texture.
- Make the Cheese Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour. Slowly add milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in the cheeses until smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes – In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of potatoes, pour some cheese sauce over the top, and repeat until all layers are complete.
- Top with Parmesan – Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a crisp, golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection – Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve – Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
How to Serve Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Pair with a Main Course – Perfect alongside roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- As a Holiday Side Dish – A staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners.
- With a Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Topped with Extras – Try crumbled bacon, fresh chives, or extra shredded cheese for more flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use a Mandoline – For perfectly even, thin potato slices.
- Mix Up the Cheeses – Try smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish, refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
- For a Crispy Top – Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly crust.
- Prevent Curdling – Avoid using pre-shredded cheese (which has anti-caking agents) and always add cheese off the heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: Yes! Yukon Golds also work well and add a naturally buttery texture.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?
A4: Yes! Let the dish cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes to maintain the texture.
Q6: Can I add meat to this dish?
A6: Definitely! Cooked bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage add delicious flavor.
Q7: How do I keep the sauce from breaking?
A7: Stir the cheese in off the heat and avoid overheating once added.
Q8: Can I make it dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and a vegan cheese substitute.
Q9: What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
A9: Scalloped potatoes are made with a creamy sauce, while au gratin potatoes include layers of cheese.
Q10: How can I make this dish extra crispy on top?
A10: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
Conclusion
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or just need a little extra indulgence on a weeknight, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite at your table!
Print
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tender Yukon Gold potatoes are layered with a smooth, cheesy sauce made from roasted garlic, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. This dish is the perfect comfort food and an excellent side for any meal. Try this delicious homemade recipe for a crowd-pleasing addition to your table!
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4–5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 2 bulbs roasted garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (add 2 more tbsp if skipping bacon)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and soft.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and parboil the potatoes for 8 minutes. Remove and place in ice water to stop cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter with the bacon fat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the mixture thickens.
- Add Flavor: Stir in roasted garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Mash the garlic into the sauce if needed.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in both shredded cheeses until the sauce is creamy.
- Assemble: Place the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Final Touch: Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and crispy bacon on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For a charred top, broil briefly.
- Garnish & Serve: Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic enhances its sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, but Russet potatoes can be used as a substitute.
- For a smoky twist, try adding smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg