Au Gratin Potatoes are a classic comfort dish that combines tender potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. This recipe, perfect for any occasion from family dinners to special gatherings, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Au Gratin Potatoes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Potato
- Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 8
- Rating: 5 (based on 111 reviews)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 415.2
- Fat: 22.5g
- Saturated Fat: 14.1g
- Cholesterol: 69.5mg
- Sodium: 974.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Protein: 16.6g
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes
- 5 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the potatoes until just tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. Peel the potatoes and dice them into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Prepare Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
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Make Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, then add the minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
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Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese for later. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Add the diced potatoes to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the potatoes evenly.
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Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart round casserole dish or a rectangular baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let the Au Gratin Potatoes stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Tips for Success:
- Potato Selection: Choose potatoes that are suitable for baking or boiling, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, for the best texture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for unique flavors.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Serving Suggestions:
Au Gratin Potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad. Serve them as a hearty side dish or even as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Conclusion:
This Au Gratin Potatoes recipe from Love with Recipes combines creamy potatoes with a rich cheese sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, these potatoes are sure to be a hit, earning rave reviews from all who taste them.
