There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish of creamy, cheesy potatoes baked to golden perfection. Au gratin potatoes are the ultimate treat, with layers of soft potatoes covered in a rich, velvety sauce and a golden, crisp crust on top. Whether served as a side dish at a holiday dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve ever wondered how to make this delicious treat at home, here’s a simple yet foolproof recipe to create the most creamy, flavorful au gratin potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 big russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold if you like your food smoother).
- 2 cups heavy cream.
- 1 cup whole milk.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- Shred 2 cups of cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best).
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for added flavor).
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and a subtle smoky flavor).
Preparation Steps
- Preheat The Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This guarantees that the oven is hot enough to give your creamy potatoes the ideal golden crust. You can start making the potatoes and sauce while the oven is heating up so that everything is ready when it does.
- Prepare The Potatoes
After that, you can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrition. Slice the potatoes into even, thin rounds that are 1/8 inch thick using a mandolin or sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they’ll cook, resulting in a creamy texture.
To keep the potatoes from browning, submerge them in a bowl of cold water after slicing. At the time of dish assembly, drain the water.
- Make The Creamy Sauce
Butter should be melted in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the minced garlic for approximately one minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
After that, add the flour and keep whisking for about two minutes to make a roux. This helps thicken the sauce. Add the heavy cream and whole milk slowly while whisking the mixture all the time to make sure it is smooth. Bring the mixture to a low boil and stir it often for about 5 minutes, or until it gets a little thicker.
- Assemble The Dish
After the baking dish is ready, spread the sliced potatoes out in a single layer. Spread out a lot of the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes with a spatula after you pour it on top. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce until all the potatoes and sauce are used up.
For the final layer, pour any remaining sauce over the top of the potatoes and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and Parmesan. This will create the perfect golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake The Potatoes
For 45 minutes, bake the potatoes with the foil over the dish of potatoes. Take off the foil after 45 minutes and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork. The dish can be broil for an extra two to three minutes if you want the top to be crispier.
- Let It Rest
Once the dish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set, making it easier to cut and serve. The result will be creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Making potatoes at home is surprisingly simple and the results are incredibly satisfying. Your family and friends will love this dish. It has soft, perfectly cooked potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can make a rich, comforting dish that’s great for any event if you use the right ingredients and follow the steps carefully.
