Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal. This comforting recipe combines layers of tender potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, making it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy dinners at home. With three types of cheese, it guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cheeses creates a rich and velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the potato slices.
- Flavorful Layers: Each layer of potatoes and onions adds depth to the dish, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any occasion—be it a festive celebration or a weeknight dinner.
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels without compromising on flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its cheesy goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make preparing Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes a breeze. Here are the essentials you’ll need to create this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 2-quart square baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter/oil for greasing
- Sharp knife for slicing potatoes and onions
- Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk for mixing ingredients
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and browning, giving you the perfect au gratin texture.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps eliminate lumps in the sauce, ensuring a smooth and creamy result.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 6-7 medium yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (3 pounds gold potatoes)
- ½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour (whole wheat, all purpose, or gluten free 1:1 flour will also work)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (regular, skim or whole milk will also work)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (2 heaping cups shredded cheddar cheese)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
For Topping
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute more sharp cheddar)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
To Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare your baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or greasing it lightly with butter or oil.
Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes and Onions
Place your sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows within the baking dish. Ensure there’s enough space between them so they can cook evenly. Add onion slices in between and on top of the potatoes wherever possible.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the salted butter. Once melted, whisk in a small amount of flour and gradually add in almond milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Potatoes
Evenly pour the creamy sauce over your arranged potatoes and onions. Don’t worry if it seems like there isn’t enough; it will thicken during baking.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Baking
After removing the foil, sprinkle gruyere cheese (or more cheddar) and grated parmesan on top. Return to oven for an additional 30-45 minutes until golden brown on top. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving!
Enjoy your delicious Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes!
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Roasted Chicken
- Juicy roasted chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of au gratin potatoes, adding a savory element to your meal.
Alongside Grilled Vegetables
- Colorful grilled vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness of the potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
As an Accompaniment to Beef Stew
- The hearty flavors of beef stew combined with the creamy potatoes make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Paired with Turkey Meatballs
- Tender turkey meatballs offer a lighter protein option that complements the rich and cheesy potatoes beautifully.
Next to a Fresh Garden Salad
- A crisp garden salad adds freshness and crunch, making it the perfect counterpart to the creamy dish.
With Garlic Bread
- Crunchy garlic bread is an excellent choice for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce from the plate, enhancing every bite.
How to Perfect Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
To achieve the best results with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, consider these helpful tips:
Use uniform potato slices: Ensuring all potato slices are of equal thickness promotes even cooking and a consistent texture throughout.
Let the cheese melt slowly: Gradually adding cheese to the sauce at low heat prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy finish.
Don’t skip seasoning: Taste your sauce for seasoning before pouring it over the potatoes. Adjust salt and pepper levels for optimal flavor.
Cover during initial baking: Covering the dish with foil helps retain moisture in the first part of baking, resulting in tender potatoes.
Broil for extra crispiness: For a golden top, consider broiling for a few minutes at the end of baking. Just watch closely to prevent burning!
Best Side Dishes for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
These side dishes pair wonderfully with Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, making your meal even more delightful.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the potatoes.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans provide a fresh crunch that balances out the rich flavors of au gratin potatoes.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots add a touch of sweetness and color, creating an appealing contrast on your plate.
Caesar Salad: Classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing that perfectly offsets cheesy dishes.
Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs offers a nutritious grain option that pairs well without overpowering flavors.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a favorite side dish that adds vibrant color and natural sweetness alongside cheesy potatoes.
Grilled Salmon: A light grilled salmon fillet provides healthy protein while its subtle flavor enhances rather than competes with the potatoes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful stuffed bell peppers offer a hearty vegetarian option that rounds out your meal deliciously.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not slicing potatoes evenly: Ensure all potato slices are uniform in thickness to promote even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your sauce adequately. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before pouring over the potatoes.
- Overcrowding the dish: Avoid packing the potatoes too tightly. Leave space between slices for even cooking and proper sauce distribution.
- Using low-quality cheese: Opt for good-quality cheese for better flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
- Not covering while baking: Cover with foil initially to keep moisture in. This prevents drying out during the first part of baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- For best quality, freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- These potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes:
Can I use different types of cheese for Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?
Yes! While cheddar is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for unique flavors.
How do I ensure my potatoes are tender?
Slice them thinly enough and cook them covered initially. The steam helps cook them through before browning.
Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How do I customize this recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or even incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for added protein.
Final Thoughts
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are a delightful side that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Their creamy texture and cheesy goodness make them perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or adapt based on seasonal produce!
Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, a delightful side dish that is sure to impress at any gathering. This recipe features layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and gruyere. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes each bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this cheesy potato bake is easy to prepare and will satisfy the whole family.
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 6–7 medium Yukon gold potatoes
- ½ white or yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup gruyere cheese (or additional cheddar)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart square baking dish.
- Arrange sliced potatoes and onions tightly in three rows in the baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then gradually add almond milk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the arranged potatoes and onions.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with gruyere and parmesan, and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg