Pat’s Irresistible Au Gratin Potatoes
If you’re seeking a dish that’s both comfortingly creamy and decadently cheesy, Pat’s Au Gratin Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite, despite my brother’s endearing nickname for them, “rotten” potatoes. Whether you’re serving them at a weeknight dinner or as a sumptuous side for a special occasion, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling irresistible in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup milk 🥛
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 2 large potatoes 🥔
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s perfectly heated for when your dish is ready to go in.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and starting to bubble, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue to stir this mixture until it becomes smooth and well-blended, taking care to avoid any lumps.
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Add the Milk: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, continuing to stir constantly to prevent any clumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce.
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Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice 2 large potatoes into thin rounds. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, making sure to overlap them slightly to ensure even cooking.
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Assemble the Dish: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the layered potatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for a small family meal or a delicious side for a gathering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 275.2 kcal
- Fat: 17.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 53.5 mg
- Sodium: 842 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.2 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Protein: 11 g
Enjoy these rich and cheesy au gratin potatoes, a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Despite their amusing nickname, they’re bound to be a hit at your dinner table. Bon appétit!
