Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes are a classic and indulgent side dish that combines tender potato slices with a rich, cheesy sauce. This comforting recipe features layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a luscious mixture of heavy cream, milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with the savory flavors of garlic and a touch of nutmeg, the dish is topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust that is simply irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve a hearty, satisfying side, these au gratin potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 900 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before using.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, making sure there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers of potatoes and cheese sauce until all the potatoes and gravy are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your creamy au gratin potatoes as a rich and comforting side dish!
- Ravioli Primavera: A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Delight
Ravioli Primavera: A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Delight Ravioli Primavera is a vibrant and delicious pasta dish that captures the essence of spring with fresh vegetables, creamy sauce, and tender ravioli. The dish combines the richness of ravioli, typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, with a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell … Read more - Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic Comfort Food
Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic Comfort Food Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and satisfying dish that has warmed the hearts of families for generations. Known for its delicious combination of savory meat filling topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, this dish is a staple in British and Irish cuisine. Originally a … Read more - Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Ingredients: Instructions: Tips: Enjoy these sweet and creamy Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars for a treat that captures the spirit of the season! 1. Peppermint Bark A holiday classic, this simple yet festive treat combines layers of white and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candies. It’s perfect for gifting or as a … Read more - 5 Delightful Cream Puffs with Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar – Easy Cream Puff Recipe
Try this easy cream puff recipe to create delightful cream puffs filled with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for any occasion! Famous Cream Puffs: The Ultimate Guide to this Timeless Pastry Cream puffs, a cherished dessert originating from French cuisine, have become a global sensation. Known for their light, airy shells and … Read more - Banana Almond Smoothie: A Complete Guide
Banana Almond Smoothie: A Complete Guide The Banana Almond Smoothie is a creamy, nutty, and naturally sweet drink loved by fitness enthusiasts, breakfast lovers, and anyone craving a quick energy boost. With just a few wholesome ingredients, this smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like potassium, healthy fats, and protein. Whether … Read more - Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Classic Comfort Food Stuffed pasta shells are a timeless Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta filled with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture, all nestled in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or when you crave a hearty, comforting meal. … Read more - Caramel Apple Pecan Cake: A Cozy Dessert Masterpiece
Caramel Apple Pecan Cake: A Cozy Dessert Masterpiece Caramel Apple Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the warm, spiced flavors of autumn in every bite. Packed with chunks of fresh apples, crunchy pecans, and a luscious caramel glaze, this cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re hosting a … Read more - Japanese milk bread
Japanese milk bread Introduction Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, Japanese milk bread is a staple for bread lovers worldwide. This bread is famous for its cloud-like texture and delicate flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying plain. The secret lies in the Tangzhong method, a cooked flour paste that keeps the bread moist … Read more - Savory Pizza Rolls: The Perfect Snack for Every Occasion
Savory Pizza Rolls: The Perfect Snack for Every Occasion Savory pizza rolls are bite-sized bursts of cheesy, saucy goodness, ideal for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner. These rolls combine the best of pizza’s flavors—gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and zesty toppings—in a convenient, handheld form. They’re quick to prepare and easy to … Read more - No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic This No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert is a beloved treat known for its creamy, chocolatey layers that melt in your mouth. With origins rooted in the classic French éclair, this simplified no-bake version eliminates the need for baking, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to assemble, requires … Read more - Peanut Butter Caramel Pie
Peanut Butter Caramel Pie Introduction Peanut Butter Caramel Pie is a decadent treat that combines rich, creamy layers of peanut butter filling, airy whipped cream, and a smooth caramel topping on a crisp, chocolatey crust. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this no-bake dessert brings comfort and indulgence to any occasion. History Peanut butter pie is … Read more - Classic Greek Salad
Classic Greek Salad: A Timeless Culinary Gem Greek Salad, or Horiatiki Salata, is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that captures the essence of simplicity and freshness. This vibrant salad is a celebration of wholesome ingredients that highlight the flavors of Greece. Packed with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, briny olives, and a zesty dressing, it’s as delightful … Read more - Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan Pie Bars Introduction Pecan pie bars are a portable twist on the classic Southern pecan pie. They combine the buttery richness of a shortbread crust with a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling. These bars are ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a decadent dessert. History Pecan pie is deeply rooted in Southern United … Read more - Banana Avocado Smoothie
Banana Avocado Smoothie: Creamy Bliss in a Glass The banana avocado smoothie is a rich, velvety drink that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy texture of avocados, this smoothie is a powerhouse of nutrients, perfect for a morning boost or a post-workout recovery drink. Its … Read more - Potato Gratin with Ham and Cheese
Potato Gratin with Ham and Cheese: A Culinary Masterpiece Potato gratin with ham and cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a hearty holiday side dish. Its layers of tender potatoes, smoky ham, and gooey cheese come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that … Read more - Triple Chocolate Lava Cake
Triple Chocolate Lava Cake Introduction The Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake is a classic holiday treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of orange zest and juice. Perfect for gatherings, this cake is a favorite among dessert lovers for its moist texture, vibrant flavor, and eye-catching presentation. It’s topped with a sweet … Read more - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies: The All-Time Classic Treat Chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort food, a timeless dessert loved by all. Their perfect combination of buttery dough and gooey chocolate chips makes them irresistible. Whether you prefer them chewy, crispy, or soft, they hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers. Let’s dive … Read more - Strawberry Crunch Cake
Strawberry Crunch Cake: A Dreamy Dessert Strawberry Crunch Cake is a nostalgic, show-stopping dessert that combines layers of moist cake with a creamy filling and a crunchy, strawberry-flavored topping. Inspired by the classic Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this cake is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever you want a taste of sweet, … Read more - Cream-Filled Donuts
Cream-Filled Donuts: A Decadent Delight Few treats are as indulgent and universally adored as cream-filled donuts. These soft, pillowy pastries with luscious cream centers are the epitome of comfort food. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee, as a mid-day pick-me-up, or as a dessert, cream-filled donuts bring joy with every bite. Let’s dive into their history, … Read more - Butter Cookies
Butter Cookies: A Timeless Treat Butter cookies are a universal classic, loved for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies, with their simple yet satisfying taste, have graced holiday tables, tea parties, and snack times for centuries. This recipe explores their history, benefits, formation, and a detailed guide to crafting your perfect … Read more - Smothered Chicken and Rice
Smothered Chicken and Rice Introduction Smothered Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort dish beloved in Southern and soul food traditions. This hearty, flavorful meal combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, making it a staple in many households. Its roots can be traced to Southern cuisine, where smothering—a cooking technique that … Read more