creamy au gratin potato recipe

The Best creamy au gratin potato recipe

I’m so excited to share this creamy au gratin potato recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The first time I made it, I was skeptical about the combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese, but one bite in and I was hooked. My family loves it just as much as I do, and it’s become a staple in our household.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the potatoes.

You want to use a mix of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Don’t even think about using frozen or pre-shredded cheese – grate it yourself for the best results.

And while we’re on the subject of cheese, make sure you’re using a good quality cheddar that’s not too sharp or too mild. You want that perfect balance of flavors to come together in harmony.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

4.5 from 619 votes

A comforting and indulgent side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes
Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce

3 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups grated Gruyere cheese

For Topping

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Grease a large baking dish with butter and set aside.
3Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4Drain and slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
5Set the potatoes aside.
6In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and milk.
7Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, flour, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
8Whisk until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
9Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
10Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
11Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
12Pour about one-third of the cream sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
13Repeat with two more layers of potatoes and sauce, ending with the sauce on top.
14Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top layer of sauce.
15Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
16Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
17Allow the au gratin potatoes to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

This creamy au gratin potato recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s perfect for any occasion and works well for family gatherings or everyday meals.

The key to making this dish is using high-quality ingredients and grating your own cheese.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings – try adding some diced ham or bacon bits for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Q: What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

A: For this creamy au gratin potato recipe, you’ll want to use a mix of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. The Russet potatoes will add a nice firmness to the dish, while the Yukon Golds will provide a sweetness that complements the cream and cheese perfectly.

Q: Can I use frozen or pre-shredded cheese?

A: No, don’t even think about using frozen or pre-shredded cheese in this recipe! Grate your own cheese for the best results – it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to flavor and texture.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This creamy au gratin potato recipe is actually pretty quick to prepare – you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes! Just remember to give yourself some extra time if you’re making this for a large group or special occasion.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time – just assemble everything except for the cheese until you’re ready to bake it. Then, top with the grated cheese and bake until golden brown.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this dish?

A: This creamy au gratin potato recipe is perfect served as a side dish for any occasion – holidays, special events, or just a regular Tuesday night dinner!

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge or freezer?

A: Yes, you can store leftovers in both the fridge and freezer! Just be sure to reheat them until they’re hot and bubbly before serving.

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