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Classic Au Gratin Potatoes

Classic Au Gratin Potatoes
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Classic Au Gratin Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side dish featuring thinly sliced starchy potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce to a golden, crispy perfection. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and easy steps to create a luscious, rich texture with a delightful crunchy cheese crust, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish and enriching sauce)

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish or layering (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Additional cheese for top layer, about ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the Russet potatoes into thin, uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure even cooking and perfect layering.
  2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, gently warm the heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Cheddar and Gruyère cheese until the sauce is melted, smooth, and luscious.
  3. Layer the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange a single layer of potato slices evenly on the bottom. Pour a generous portion of cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering potatoes and cheese sauce until all are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese for a golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle thyme leaves between layers.
  4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to brown the top with bubbling cheese. Check tenderness by inserting a fork before removing from the oven.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

  • Use uniform potato slices for even cooking and texture.
  • Bake at a moderate oven temperature to prevent drying out the cream.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
  • Resting the dish before serving helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
  • Optional: Toast the garlic beforehand to mellow flavor or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: au gratin potatoes, cheesy potatoes, creamy potatoes, classic side dish, comfort food, baked potatoes, cheesy gratin, easy potato recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/classic-au-gratin-potatoes/