These mouth-watering au gratin potatoes have won over my husband’s heart, and every time I whip them up, he considers it a special occasion! The creamy cheese sauce and tender potatoes in this classic French dish combine to create a rich and addictive experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. For a complete meal, serve potatoes au gratin with a succulent roast pork loin or beef tenderloin, accompanied by a crisp green salad and some crusty French bread. For an exciting twist, switch up the cheese and experiment with a variety of flavors. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Creamy au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized onion sliced into rings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Butter a 1-quart casserole dish.
- In the prepared casserole dish, layer 1/2 of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Season with salt and pepper. Layer onion slices over the potatoes, then top with the remaining potatoes. Season again with salt and pepper.
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and salt, and cook while whisking constantly until the raw flour flavor has cooked off, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition to incorporate; this gradual addition and whisking of milk will help avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese all at once; continue stirring until melted, which will take around 30 to 60 seconds.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly, which will take around 1 1/2 hours.
- Enjoy your delicious creamy au gratin potatoes!
Notes
What is the Meaning of “Au Gratin”?
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According to The Food Lover’s Companion, a “gratin” is a dish topped with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then baked in the oven or under the broiler until crispy and golden brown. The term “au gratin” or “gratinée” is used to describe any dish prepared in this manner.
Creating a dish with an elegant name such as Garlic Potatoes Gratin is actually quite simple and doesn’t require any special skills. All you need are breadcrumbs, butter, and an oven.
Scalloped Potatoes vs. Au Gratin Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes share many similarities, but the main difference is how dairy is incorporated into the recipe. Scalloped potatoes are typically baked with heavy cream, milk, and aromatic herbs in a casserole dish.
On the other hand, potatoes au gratin rely on cheese for their signature creaminess, with plenty of grated cheddar sprinkled between each layer.
