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Classic Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe – Creamy Cheesy Casserole Delight

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Classic Au Gratin Potatoes bring tender, thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes to life in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce with bubbly golden edges and creamy layers. This timeless holiday side dish delivers pure comfort alongside ham, steak, turkey, or roast chicken.

Foolproof roux-based sauce stays velvety without curdling. Uses best potatoes for perfect texture. Simple steps yield restaurant results in 90 minutes for 8-10 servings at ~350 calories each. Make-ahead friendly, reheats perfectly, endless variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Yukon Gold potatoes 2.5 lbs (6 medium) Best for creamy texture; peel optional

Heavy whipping cream 2 cups Richness; don’t sub light

Whole milk 2 cups Lightens sauce

Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons Divided: greasing + roux

All-purpose flour 4 tablespoons Thickens to perfection

Sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups, shredded Fresh grate for smooth melt

Gruyere cheese 1 cup, shredded Nutty restaurant flavor

Parmesan cheese ½ cup, grated Crispy golden top

Garlic cloves 2, minced Fresh; or roasted for mellow

Fresh thyme 1 teaspoon, chopped Or ½ tsp dried

Onion powder 1 teaspoon Subtle savory boost

Kosher salt 1½ teaspoons Season layers well

Black pepper ½ teaspoon fresh ground

Ground nutmeg pinch Optional warmth

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9×13 baking dish. Slice peeled potatoes ⅛-inch thin (mandoline ideal). Soak cold water 5 min, drain, pat bone-dry.

2. 2. Make roux: Melt 3 tbsp butter med heat. Whisk flour 2 min till golden. Slowly whisk milk + cream (prevent lumps). Add garlic, thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg. Simmer 5-7 min thick.

3. 3. Off heat, stir cheeses (save ½ cup cheddar + all parm) till melted/smooth. Taste/adjust.

4. 4. Layer: ⅓ potatoes dish, ⅓ sauce, ⅓ remaining cheddar. Repeat x2, top parm.

5. 5. Cover foil, bake 60 min till tender fork pierce. Uncover, 400°F 20 min bubbly/browned. Broil 1-2 min crisp.

6. 6. Rest 15 min. Serves hot.

Notes

Perfect Every Time: Dry potatoes = no wateriness. Warm dairy prevents seizing.

Make Ahead: Assemble/cover/refrigerate 24h or freeze unbaked 2 months (+15 min bake).

Storage: Fridge 4 days airtight. Reheat 350°F covered + milk splash.

Troubleshoot: Soupy? Bake longer uncovered. Bland? More salt post-sauce.

Variations: Ham-loaded (+bake 10min), vegan (plant cream/cheese), lighter (½ cream).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummyyrecipe.com/classic-au-gratin-potatoes-recipe-creamy-cheesy-casserole-delight/