au gratin potatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
au gratin potatoes recipe
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The Best au gratin potatoes recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite au gratin potatoes recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The creamy, cheesy goodness of the potatoes is irresistible, and it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to impress. I love how the potatoes are topped with a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture and flavor to each bite. It’s a game-changer for any meal.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and it’s easy to see why – who doesn’t love a good potato? The history of au gratin potatoes dates back to the 18th century in France, where it was originally made with cheese and breadcrumbs. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs.

But the core concept remains the same – layering potatoes with cream and cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s impossible to resist. One of the key techniques in making great au gratin potatoes is to use high-quality ingredients and not overcook them. The potatoes should be tender but still firm in the center, and the top should be golden brown and slightly caramelized.

When you cook them just right, the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

Au Gratin Potatoes

Au Gratin Potatoes

4.6 from 1073 votes

Au Gratin Potatoes are a classic side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with cheese. This recipe serves four people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Potatoes

2 lbs russet potatoes
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp butter

For the Sauce

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

For Topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
3Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline slicer.
4Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to remove excess starch.
5Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves.
6In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
9Add the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
12Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
13Layer the potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping slightly.
14Pour the sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
15Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.
16In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
17Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes.
18Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
19If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil.

🔧Equipment

Mandoline slicer
9×13 baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary with the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Au Gratin Potatoes Works

This au gratin potatoes recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a delicious side dish for your next potluck. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them for up to three days.

When reheating, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Au Gratin Potatoes

Q: What type of cheese is best for au gratin potatoes?

For an authentic French flavor, use a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. You can also mix in some cheddar or mozzarella for added depth of flavor.

Q: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen potatoes as a substitute for fresh ones. However, keep in mind that they might not have the same texture and flavor as fresh potatoes.

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

To prevent over-browning, cover the dish with foil during cooking or bake them at a lower temperature.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the au gratin potatoes up to a day in advance, but don’t bake them until just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover au gratin potatoes?

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat.

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