Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that will steal the show, let me introduce you to Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes! This dish has been a family favorite for years and never fails to impress. The combination of three types of cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender slices of Yukon gold potatoes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just wanting to elevate a weeknight meal, these au gratin potatoes are the perfect choice. They’re warm, comforting, and sure to bring smiles around the table!

What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cheesy delight in no time. Trust me, when you serve this dish, you’ll feel like a culinary hero!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously cheesy: With sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, each bite is packed with flavor!
• Easy preparation: Minimal fuss means more time to enjoy with family and friends.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for holidays, gatherings, or cozy dinners at home.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters will come back for seconds (and maybe thirds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes is as easy as gathering some simple ingredients. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s get started!

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
• ½ white or yellow onion, sliced

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour works too)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 heaping cups)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

• ½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute with more sharp cheddar)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan

To Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some of these ideas:

• Add veggies: Layer in some spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Herb infusion: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for added flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or fontina.

How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your au gratin potatoes bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 2-quart square baking dish (or an 8×12) with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier later on.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Onions

Arrange your sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows in the baking dish. Don’t overcrowd them; they should be snug yet slightly slanted. Nestle onion slices between the potato rows so they can caramelize beautifully while baking.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, whisk in a little bit of flour before gradually adding the almond milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly, resembling creamy gravy.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in your shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step is where all that cheesy goodness comes together! Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed—trust me, you’ll want it just right.

Step 6: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour this heavenly sauce evenly over your layered potatoes and onions. Don’t fret; they’ll soak up all that creamy goodness while baking!

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with foil and let it bake for about 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes until tender.

Step 8: Add Toppings

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle gruyere cheese and parmesan on top. Return it to bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes until golden brown on top and fork-tender inside.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

When it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. And there you have it—Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ready to delight everyone at your table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Making the perfect au gratin potatoes is all about technique and a little love—let’s elevate your dish to perfection!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold up well during baking, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious.
• Layer thoughtfully: Arranging the potato slices in slanted rows not only looks beautiful but also allows for even cooking and sauce distribution. This ensures every slice gets that creamy goodness!
• Whisk out lumps: When making the cheese sauce, whisk vigorously while adding flour and milk. This prevents lumps, leading to a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Taste as you go: Don’t hesitate to taste your sauce before pouring it over the potatoes. Adjusting salt and pepper at this stage means you’ll achieve your desired flavor profile throughout the dish.
• Let it rest: After baking, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart!

How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Presenting your au gratin potatoes beautifully can make them even more appetizing! Here are some simple yet effective ways to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.
• Extra cheese: For cheese lovers, consider adding an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving for that melty goodness!
• Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs: A light dusting of crushed gluten-free crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs can give a lovely texture contrast on top.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: Their vibrant color and crispness offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes. Lightly season with lemon juice and salt for added zing.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots provide a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with rich au gratin potatoes.
• Garlic bread: This classic side complements any cheesy dish perfectly, providing a crunchy texture and garlic flavor that everyone loves.
• Simple salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balances out the heaviness of the potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you can create an unforgettable dining experience centered around Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes make for an excellent meal prep dish! You can prepare them ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven.

Freezing

• Ensure the au gratin potatoes are completely cooled.
• Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• If reheating individual portions, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

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?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and gruyere work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

How do I ensure my Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes don’t turn out watery?

To avoid watery au gratin potatoes, make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and allow the sauce to thicken before pouring it over. Additionally, using starchy potatoes like Yukon gold helps absorb moisture.

Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The recipe will still turn out creamy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as much as I do! This recipe is not only comforting but also brings back fond memories of family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress your loved ones. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and cheesy goodness!