Simple & Buttery Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe for Dinner

Comfort arrives in a golden, bubbling dish of potatoes au gratin that melts hearts and satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between creamy cheese create a delectable side that promises pure indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tender potatoes and smooth, velvety sauce.

The marriage of sharp cheddar and delicate herbs transforms this classic recipe into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and a molten center make this dish irresistible for family dinners and special gatherings.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the intense flavors and luxurious texture of this ultimate potato experience.

Prepare to be transported to a world of culinary bliss with this mouthwatering creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into Potatoes au Gratin

• Potatoes: Starchy, creamy base that absorbs flavors beautifully; choose firm, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for best texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth and warmth; select fresh, firm cloves without sprouts.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Rich, velvety foundation creating luxurious sauce; use high-quality, fresh dairy for maximum flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the dish's overall taste; freshly ground pepper provides more intense notes.
• Thyme: Optional herbal accent that brings earthy, subtle complexity; dried or fresh both work wonderfully.

• Mandoline: Precision slicing tool ensuring uniform potato thickness; use carefully with protective glove to prevent accidents.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Spacious vessel allowing even cooking and beautiful presentation; ceramic or glass dishes work best for consistent heat distribution.

Kitchen Essentials for Potatoes au Gratin

• Large sharp knife: Perfect for peeling and slicing potatoes if you don't have a mandoline.
• Mandoline slicer: Creates uniform, thin potato slices quickly and easily.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the potatoes.
• Small saucepan: Used for melting butter and warming cream mixture.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for slicing potatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir butter and cream mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Cook Potatoes au Gratin Just Right

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or rub with oil to prevent sticking.

• Slice Those Spuds

Grab your potatoes and slice them super thin. Pro tip: A mandoline makes this job a breeze and gives you perfectly uniform slices.

• Craft the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and toss in some minced garlic. Let it dance around for half a minute until it releases its magical aroma. Pour in cream and sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a whisper of thyme if you’re feeling fancy.

• Layer and Bake

Start building your potato masterpiece by arranging slices in overlapping rows. Pour that dreamy cream mixture evenly across the layers. Cover with foil and slide into the oven.

• Create the Golden Crust

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let the top turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll want those crispy edges that make everyone swoon.

• Rest and Serve

Pull your creation out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes cutting a dream. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips to Perfect Potatoes au Gratin Every Time

• Slice Precision: Use a mandoline for uniformly thin potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a professional-looking texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal planning and dinner parties.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers creamy, comforting goodness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.

How to Serve Potatoes au Gratin with Style

• Rustic Family Centerpiece: Serve this creamy potato dish as a stunning side that becomes the heart of your family dinner, drawing everyone around the table with its irresistible aroma.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this golden, bubbling casserole to gatherings where it'll quickly become the most requested recipe among friends and neighbors.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, cheesy potatoes with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Holiday Hero: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday roast dinners, this dish elevates any special meal with its comforting and elegant presentation.

Keeping Potatoes au Gratin Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350F to maintain the crispy cheese layer and prevent soggy texture.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen potatoes au gratin can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
• Portion Control Plan: Slice potatoes into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely, helping control serving sizes and maintain recipe consistency. Individual ramekins work perfectly for personalized servings.

Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy potatoes au gratin elevate classic comfort cuisine with layers of sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and rich cream. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this French-inspired side dish promises delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp thyme
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Setup: Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent potato adherence.
3. Potato Processing: Employ a mandoline to create uniform 1/8-inch potato slices, maintaining precision and aesthetic appeal.
4. Flavor Foundation: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing briefly to release aromatic compounds.
5. Cream Infusion: Blend heavy cream into the garlic-butter mixture, incorporating salt, pepper, and thyme. Warm gently without reaching a boil, preserving the sauce’s silky texture.
6. Layering Technique: Arrange potato slices in overlapping rows within the prepared dish, creating a structured and visually appealing base.
7. Sauce Distribution: Generously pour the cream mixture over potato layers, ensuring complete and even saturation of each potato slice.
8. Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the flavorful cream.
9. Finishing Touch: Remove foil during the final 15-20 minutes to develop a golden-brown, crispy surface that adds textural contrast.
10. Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Slice Consistently: Use a mandoline for uniform potato thickness, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Control Cream Temperature: Warm cream gently to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth, silky sauce without aggressive boiling.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish to guarantee easy serving and effortless cleanup.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with herb variations like rosemary or sage, or add cheese like Gruyère for enhanced depth and richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 297 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg