Are you ready to indulge in a classic, elegant dish that combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce? Potatoes Au Gratin is the perfect comfort food, ideal for special occasions, holiday dinners, or anytime you want to impress your guests with a delicious side dish. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a rich, creamy, and golden-brown masterpiece. Read on to discover how to make this delightful dish!
What are Potatoes Au Gratin?
Potatoes Au Gratin is a French dish consisting of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce, often with cheese and sometimes with breadcrumbs on top. The dish is baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. It's a versatile and decadent side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or even a simple green salad.
Ingredients List for Potatoes Au Gratin
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon thyme (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences:
- Cheese Variations: Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or even fontina for different flavors.
- Milk Options: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of milk and cream for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes and Sauce:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, ideally using a mandoline for uniform thickness.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and milk to the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
Assembling the Dish:
- Layer the Potatoes: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Optional Topping: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top layer of cheese.
Baking the Potatoes:
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken.
How to Cook Potatoes Au Gratin: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready.
- Prepare and Slice Potatoes: Peel and slice potatoes uniformly.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Combine cream, milk, and seasonings, heating until simmering.
- Layer and Assemble: Layer potatoes, cream sauce, and cheese in a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover to finish browning the top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before garnishing and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uneven Slices: Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Overcooking the Sauce: Heat the cream sauce just until simmering to prevent curdling.
- Underseasoning: Season each layer of potatoes for a balanced flavor throughout.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the dish to cool slightly to let the sauce set and thicken.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a stunning presentation, garnish Potatoes Au Gratin with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot alongside your favorite main courses like roast chicken, beef tenderloin, or baked fish. Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and a spatula to serve portions that showcase the layered beauty of the dish.
How to Serve Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes Au Gratin are best served hot, straight from the oven. They make an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses, including roasted meats and poultry. Use a large spoon or spatula to serve, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of the creamy sauce and crispy top layer.
Presentation Ideas for Potatoes Au Gratin
To elevate the presentation, use a decorative baking dish and sprinkle the top with fresh herbs just before serving. For added texture, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a light dusting of paprika for color.
Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor and color. The cooking time may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make Potatoes Au Gratin without cheese?
A: Yes, you can omit the cheese and still have a delicious creamy potato dish, though the flavor will be different.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use light cheese varieties.
Q: Can I freeze Potatoes Au Gratin?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with Potatoes Au Gratin?
A: They pair well with roasted meats, poultry, grilled fish, and a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Potatoes Au Gratin is a classic dish that combines creamy, cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a golden, bubbly top. Perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious and elegant side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this timeless recipe!
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Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Potatoes Au Gratin recipe offers layers of tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce. Ideal for special occasions or everyday dinners, it’s a comforting side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg over medium heat until simmering.
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices in the dish.
- Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, you can mix in some cooked bacon bits between the layers. Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
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