Description
This classic Potatoes Au Gratin recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting side dish is perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half and half)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the Potatoes and Cheese
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into â…›-inch rounds
- 2 cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour one-third of the sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with ½ cup of the grated cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing the top layer with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. For extra browning, broil the casserole for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped thyme. Serve the Potatoes Au Gratin hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets can be a substitute if needed.
- Slicing potatoes uniformly to â…› inch thickness ensures even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole through layering, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Broiling at the end helps achieve a crisp, golden top but watch carefully to prevent burning.
