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
Units
Scale
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