Creamiest Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe for Comforting Dinners

Comfort arrives with these mouthwatering creamy au gratin potatoes that promise pure culinary magic.

Layers of tender potato slices nestle between rich, velvety cheese sauce in a decadent harmony.

Russet potatoes create the perfect canvas for this classic side dish.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère melt into an irresistible blanket of deliciousness.

Crisp edges and a golden-brown crust hint at the delectable experience waiting on your plate.

Weeknight dinners and special gatherings welcome this incredible potato masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every single creamy, cheesy bite of this unforgettable recipe.

What Makes Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes Satisfying

• This au gratin potato recipe delivers speedy satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Guaranteed to win smiles from family and friends, these potatoes work perfectly for casual dinners or holiday gatherings.
• Affordable ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and cream transform into a luxurious side dish without breaking the bank.
• Even novice cooks can master this straightforward recipe with basic slicing and layering techniques, ensuring success every time.

Ingredients for Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

• Potatoes: A classic choice for au gratin, russet or Yukon gold potatoes have the perfect starch content for a creamy, tender texture. Look for firm, smooth potatoes without sprouts or green patches.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Rich, luxurious base that creates the signature creamy sauce. Whole milk provides volume while heavy cream adds decadent richness.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, while Gruyère adds a nutty, smooth melting quality. Choose aged varieties for deeper taste.

• Garlic: Adds warm, pungent depth to the potato dish. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most robust flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the potatoes. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best aroma.
• Butter: Helps grease the baking dish and contributes to the rich, smooth texture of the sauce. Unsalted butter gives more control over the dish's saltiness.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that brings a subtle earthy and slightly minty note to complement the creamy potatoes.

Easy Instructions for Baked Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Turn the oven to 375F and position a rack in the middle. This ensures even heating for your delicious potato dish.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.

Step 3: Slice Potatoes

Grab your potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Peel if desired, though leaving skin on adds nutrition and texture. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, uniform slices. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick so they cook evenly and create beautiful layers.

Step 4: Create Potato Layers

• Sliced potatoes
• Sliced onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Start arranging potato slices in overlapping rows, sprinkling cheese, seasonings, and onions between each layer. Pour cream slowly over the entire dish, ensuring it seeps between potato slices.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the potato dish rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from oven. This allows the cream to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Cheese Crust

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline for perfectly even, thin potato slices that cook consistently and create a smooth, layered texture.
• Control Cheese Meltdown: Choose a high-quality cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère that melts smoothly and prevents separation during baking.
• Prevent Watery Outcome: Pat potato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy rather than soggy final dish.
• Layer Like a Pro: Arrange potato slices in overlapping, slightly angled rows to promote even cooking and create an attractive presentation.
• Balance Liquid Ratio: Mix cream and milk in equal proportions to achieve the ideal creamy consistency without making the dish too runny or dry.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Au Gratin Potatoes

• Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Wrap cooled potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Dishes That Complement Au Gratin Potatoes

• Chardonnay's buttery notes complement the creamy potato richness, cutting through the dish's heavy texture while enhancing its delicate flavors.
• Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or tender beef tenderloin to provide a protein contrast that elevates the potato's creamy profile.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a fresh, tangy element that cleanses the palate between rich potato bites.
• Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle earthiness that mirrors the potato's comforting warmth and matches its creamy, cheesy character.

New Takes on Classic Au Gratin Potatoes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a vegan-friendly version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage between potato layers to introduce additional aromatic flavors and elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or shredded chicken between potato layers to transform the side dish into a more substantial main course with added protein.

Creamy Potato FAQs Answered

• What type of potatoes work best for au gratin?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when baked.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and assemble the dish up to a day in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown?

After slicing, place the potatoes in cold water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to prevent oxidation and keep them white.

• Is it necessary to use a mandoline for slicing?

While a mandoline ensures uniform, thin slices, you can use a sharp knife carefully. Just aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy au gratin potatoes deliver comfort straight from French countryside kitchens, blending rich cream and golden cheese into a luxurious potato masterpiece. Potato lovers will savor each hearty, melted bite of this classic side dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup additional shredded cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C), preparing the cooking environment for these luxurious potatoes.
2. Coat a rectangular 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of butter or utilize a nonstick cooking spray to prevent adherence.
3. Using a precise mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, meticulously remove the potato skins and create uniform, gossamer-thin rounds that will layer seamlessly.
4. Arrange the delicate potato slices in overlapping, elegant rows within the prepared baking dish, creating a visually appealing and structured foundation.
5. Craft a silky, decadent sauce by whisking together cream, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring a smooth and consistent blend.
6. Generously pour the aromatic cream mixture over the potato layers, guaranteeing each slice becomes thoroughly saturated with rich, creamy goodness.
7. Sprinkle a lavish combination of grated cheese across the surface, allowing the dairy to melt and create a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier that traps moisture and promotes even cooking.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, removing the foil during the final 15 minutes to achieve a perfectly bronzed top.
10. Allow the potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the sauce to set and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most luxurious texture that holds together perfectly during baking.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner and more defined layered presentation.
• Experiment with cheese variations by mixing sharp cheddar with gruyère or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth and complexity of flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg