Name: Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (warmed); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

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Introduction

Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting classic loaded with tender potato slices baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish makes a perfect side for family dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering warmth and cheesy goodness in every bite.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a creamy layered potato gratin with about seven visible layers of thin, lightly browned potato slices soaked in a rich white sauce. The top layer is golden with melted cheese that has browned in spots, creating a bubbly and crispy texture. Scattered across the surface are small, crispy pieces of reddish-brown bacon and a light sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs for color contrast. The edges of the dish show slightly caramelized cheese and sauce, adding to the rich look. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warmed)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns lightly golden.
Step 3: Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Cook the sauce, stirring often, until it slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top, then pour the remaining cheese sauce over them.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.
Step 10: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 11: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Step 12: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to the cheese sauce.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, though russets provide a fluffier bite.
Feel free to mix cheeses—Gruyère or mozzarella can complement the cheddar beautifully.
To speed up prep, use a mandoline slicer to get even, thin potato slices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the crispy top.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy potato casserole served on a white plate with about four visible layers of thinly sliced potatoes soaked in rich white sauce. The top layer is golden yellow melted cheese with browned crispy edges, sprinkled with small crispy reddish-brown bacon pieces and finely chopped green herbs. The sauce oozes slightly around the edges, showing a smooth, velvety texture. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred green foliage. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the potatoes and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they are tender all the way through—test by inserting a fork or knife; it should slide in easily without resistance.