Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes is a classic comfort dish featuring layers of tender, sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. This recipe makes a perfect side for holiday meals, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner!
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 medium potatoes) 🥔
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 1/2 cups milk 🥛
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon thyme or rosemary 🌿
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
- Slice the potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Use a mandoline slicer for even slices if you have one.
2. Make the Cream Sauce:
- Cook the garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Create the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add the milk and cream:
- Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary if using. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Layer the potatoes:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat layers:
- Layer the remaining potatoes on top and pour the rest of the sauce over them. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
🍽️ Tips:
- Cheese options: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Check for doneness: Insert a fork into the center of the dish to check if the potatoes are tender before serving.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per serving
These Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes are rich, cheesy, and incredibly comforting. They’re sure to be a hit on any dinner table, offering that melt-in-your-mouth goodness in every bite! 🥔🧀🌿