Description
A rich, creamy, and comforting classic, Potatoes Au Gratin features thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious cheese sauce made with cheddar and Gruyère. Golden and bubbly on top with tender layers beneath, this dish is a perfect side for any meal or a cozy main course.
Ingredients
6 medium Russet potatoes
6 tbsp butter
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp dried onion flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese or Gruyère (or a mix of both)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
- Gradually pour in milk and cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in minced garlic, dried onion flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛ inch thick). Layer half the potato slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly. Add the remaining potato slices on top and pour over the rest of the sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly across the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
Use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère for the best flavor and texture.
For extra flavor, add caramelized onions, leeks, or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Make it ahead of time and bake before serving.
Reheat covered with foil in the oven to keep the top crispy.
Freeze cooled gratin for up to 2 months for easy make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
