homemade au gratin potatoes recipe

The Best homemade au gratin potatoes recipe

I have been making homemade au gratin potatoes for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish originated in France, where it’s known as ‘pommes de terre au gratin.’ It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal. The key to making great au gratin potatoes is using high-quality ingredients and cooking them slowly to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and the cheese.

I like to use a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese, which gives the dish a rich and creamy flavor. The best part about making au gratin potatoes is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste. You can add different types of cheese, herbs, or spices to give it your own unique flavor. My family loves this recipe because it’s comforting and familiar, yet still feels special and indulgent.

We like to serve it with a variety of main courses, from roast chicken to grilled steak. I’ve even served it as a side dish for breakfast, paired with scrambled eggs or bacon. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so wonderful. I’ve experimented with different types of potatoes over the years, but I find that Yukon golds or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.

They hold their shape well when cooked and have a delicious, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce. To make the dish even more special, I like to add some caramelized onions or shallots to give it an extra layer of depth. It’s amazing how something so simple can be elevated to a whole new level with just a few extra ingredients. One of the things I love about homemade au gratin potatoes is how versatile they are.

You can make them in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve, which makes them perfect for large gatherings or parties. I’ve even made them in bulk and frozen them for later use – just thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake them until golden brown. This recipe is also great for meal prep, as you can make individual portions and refrigerate or freeze them for up to 5 days.

Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes

4.6 from 1022 votes

Creamy and comforting, these homemade au gratin potatoes are a classic side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Preheat oven to 375Β°F.
2Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline slicer.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
5Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
6Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
8Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg.
9Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
10Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
11Pour a thin layer of cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
12Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
13Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
14Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
16Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
17This allows the potatoes to set and makes it easier to serve.

πŸ”§Equipment

Mandoline slicer
Saucepan
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 12g❀️Cholesterol: 65mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6gπŸ₯©Protein: 15g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also add cooked bacon, onions or fresh herbs to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.

This homemade au gratin potato recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night meal.

It’s easy to customize to your taste by adding different types of cheese or herbs.

And if you’re feeling adventurous you can even try adding some caramelized onions or shallots for an extra layer of depth.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Au Gratin Potatoes

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese. Cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of parmesan. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, but keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile of the dish.

Q: Can I make au gratin potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can make au gratin potatoes in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. In fact, allowing the dish to sit for a few hours before baking will help the flavors meld together and intensify.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too brown?

To prevent the potatoes from becoming too brown, you can try covering them with foil during baking. This will help retain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?

No, I would not recommend using frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes will yield a better texture and flavor than frozen hash browns.

Q: How do I know when the au gratin potatoes are done?

The au gratin potatoes are done when they’re golden brown on top and tender throughout.

Q: Can I make individual servings of au gratin potatoes?

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