There’s something magical about a dish of golden, cheesy, and perfectly creamy au gratin potatoes fresh from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comfort food classic, this recipe is sure to impress. Packed with layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of crisp on top, this dish is everything you want in a side — indulgent, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients You’ll Need
This au gratin potatoes recipe is built with 12 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Produce
- 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1/2 white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Baking & Spices
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free 1:1 flour work)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or substitute regular, skim, or whole milk)
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures, balancing them with the natural starchiness of Yukon gold potatoes. The buttery roux and three-cheese blend create a velvety sauce that clings to every potato slice. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Peel and thinly slice the Yukon gold potatoes and onion. Aim for even slices so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly (this creates a roux).
- Slowly add the almond milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the sliced onion over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato-onion layer.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. A knife should easily pierce the potatoes when done.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes to set before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Au Gratin Potatoes
- Slice Thin & Uniformly: A mandoline slicer works wonders for creating even slices, ensuring all the potatoes cook at the same rate.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe uses cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared and assembled the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh the next day.
How to Serve Au Gratin Potatoes
Pair these rich and cheesy potatoes with:
- A juicy roast chicken or turkey.
- A perfectly seared steak.
- Steamed green beans or a crisp side salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about potatoes and cheese; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience around the dinner table. The creamy, cheesy layers will have everyone reaching for seconds, and the simple ingredients make it accessible for all levels of cooks.
So gather your ingredients and preheat that oven — comfort food awaits!
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