Description
Elevate your side dish game with these Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes. This recipe delivers tender, thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, creating a truly comforting and decadent experience.
Ingredients
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare your oven by preheating it to 375F (190C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then saut the garlic for one minute before whisking in the flour and cooking for another minute.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble gently for 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of Gruyre cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and lovely.
Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, then pour half of the delicious cheese sauce over them.
Layer the rest of the potatoes on top, cover with the remaining cheese sauce, and finish by sprinkling with the rest of the cheddar and Gruyre cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Finally, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
Russet Potatoes – These are the gold standard for au gratin due to their starch content, which helps create a wonderfully creamy texture and prevents them from becoming mushy. Peeling and slicing them thinly and uniformly ensures even cooking.
Butter and Flour – These two work together to create a roux, the thickening agent for our glorious cheese sauce.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream – The dynamic duo that forms the creamy base of our sauce. Whole milk provides richness, while heavy cream adds that unmistakable
- Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (estimated)
- Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes (45 mins covered + 20-25 mins uncovered)
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American